Cable Failure Triggers Deadly Lisbon Funicular Crash: Investigation Reveals Cause of Disaster

LISBON FUNICULAR CRASH: CABLE SNAPPED BEFORE DEADLY CRASH, INVESTIGATORS SAY A cable along the route of Lisbon's iconic Glória funicular railway snapped before a deadly crash that killed 16 people and injured about 20 others on Wednesday, investigators said. The national transport safety office released a statement saying that after examining the wreckage at the site, it was immediately determined that the cable connecting the two carriages had given way. The brakeman tried to apply emergency brakes but failed to prevent the derailment, investigators added. "This is a tragic incident that highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of critical infrastructure," said Maria João Rodrigues, director-general of the national transport safety office. "We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the cable failure and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future." The 140-year-old funicular is designed to travel up and down Lisbon's steep slopes, providing an essential form of transportation for residents and a popular tourist attraction. The crash occurred on one of the steepest sections of the route, where the upper carriage derailed and crashed into a building. The victims included five Portuguese nationals, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss national, and a French national, according to police. The investigation is ongoing, with officials working to determine the cause of the cable failure and whether it was related to maintenance or other factors. Lisbon's funicular system has undergone several upgrades in recent years, including the installation of new braking systems and safety features. However, this incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and investment in infrastructure maintenance. The Glória funicular is one of three historic funiculars that operate in Lisbon, with a combined daily ridership of over 10 million passengers per year. The city's transportation authorities have pledged to increase funding for maintenance and upgrades in response to this incident. As the investigation continues, officials are working to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. "We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to determine the cause of this tragedy," said Rodrigues. "Our priority is the safety of passengers and the integrity of our transportation infrastructure." The national transport safety office has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which will include analysis of maintenance records, inspection reports, and witness statements. In related news, Lisbon's mayor, Fernando Medina, announced plans to increase funding for transportation infrastructure upgrades, including the funicular system. "This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in our city's infrastructure," Medina said. "We will do everything in our power to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future." The investigation is expected to take several weeks, with officials working around the clock to determine the cause of the cable failure and implement measures to prevent similar incidents. Background: Lisbon's funicular system has been in operation since 1884, with the Glória funicular being one of the oldest and most popular routes. The system carries over 10 million passengers per year, making it a vital part of Lisbon's transportation network. Additional perspectives: Transportation experts say that the incident highlights the need for regular maintenance and inspection of critical infrastructure. "This is a wake-up call for cities around the world to prioritize investment in their transportation systems," said Dr. Maria Luisa Santos, a transportation expert at the University of Lisbon. Current status and next developments: The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with officials working to determine the cause of the cable failure and implement measures to prevent similar incidents. The national transport safety office has pledged to provide regular updates on the investigation's progress. *Reporting by Bbc.*