Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Lisbon Funicular Crash: Probe Finds Non‑Compliant Cable, Recommends Continuing Suspension

Investigators set a one‑year window for a final report following findings of non‑compliant equipment.

Overview

  • The GPIAAF preliminary report concludes the cable disconnected at the cabin fixation point and did not meet Carris specifications.
  • The agency recommends keeping all three Lisbon funiculars out of service until cable fixings and braking systems can stop cabins in a cable‑rupture scenario.
  • Investigators identified discrepancies in maintenance records that were logged as completed despite evidence they did not match work actually carried out.
  • The driver activated both braking systems, which were not designed to halt a cabin without counterweight assistance, revealing a structural safety shortcoming.
  • The cable was installed in summer 2024 and fixation points are only visible during biennial replacements; the crash left 16 dead and about 20 injured.