Overview
- Safety systems cut power when the cable snapped, disabling the pneumatic brake and leaving the manual brake insufficient to halt the downhill car before it derailed.
- The haulage cable was in service for less than a year, failed to meet CCFL specifications, lacked certification for passenger transport, and was not installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- GPIAAF advised that Lisbon’s funiculars remain out of service until inspectors confirm braking systems can immobilize cabins in the event of a cable break.
- The report identified maintenance shortcomings, including references to non‑existent or outdated standards and evidence that some recorded tasks did not match work performed.
- Sixteen people were killed and 21 injured, including 11 foreign nationals, and the preliminary report does not assign liability as a fuller final report is expected next year.