Overview
- Portugal’s accident investigation committee says the cable failed to meet recommended standards and was not certified for passenger transport.
- The line snapped about three seconds after departure, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable, according to the interim report.
- Investigators say it is currently impossible to determine whether the cable’s nonconformity was related to the derailment.
- The report notes similar cables were used for more than 600 days without reported problems, underscoring the uncertainty over cause.
- Local media reported the interim conclusions on Oct. 20, and the committee expects to complete a comprehensive final report in about a year.