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Lisbon Funicular Disaster: Preliminary Report Confirms Cable Rupture

A government inquiry says the counterweight cable failed as maintenance records show work was on schedule.

Overview

  • The GPIAAF’s first report finds the derailment was triggered by the failure of the cable linking the two cars, cutting power and activating brakes that could not stop the descent.
  • Investigators say the car hit about 60 km/h in roughly 50 seconds after the break, leading to the fatal impact with a building.
  • The rupture occurred at a point inaccessible without dismantling the vehicle and after 337 days of use, well before the 600‑day replacement interval noted by maintenance plans.
  • Maintenance was performed by contractor MNTC for Carris and recorded as up to date, with an inspection carried out the morning of the crash; a second preliminary report is due within 45 days and a final report within a year.
  • All 16 victims have been identified across multiple nationalities; authorities report nine injured remain hospitalized, six in intensive care, and separate judicial and internal probes continue into potential negligence and reported oversight lapses, including claims of drastically shortened inspections.