UPDATE: A critical failure in the cable system of a funicular in Lisbon is now confirmed as the cause behind the tragic crash that resulted in 16 fatalities earlier this week. Investigators revealed that the cable linking two cabins disconnected just moments before the incident, despite having passed a visual inspection just hours prior.
Authorities from Portugal’s air and rail accident investigations bureau, known as GPIAAF, reported that the scheduled maintenance plan was current, with no anomalies detected in the cable or braking systems during the morning check of the October 25, 2023 accident. However, the agency noted that they could not visually inspect the critical section of cable where the disconnection occurred.
Witnesses describe the harrowing crash, which unfolded in less than 50 seconds, with the funicular plummeting at a speed of 60 km/h (approximately 37 mph). Among the deceased are 11 foreign nationals, including three Britons, two South Koreans, and two Canadians. Local emergency services reported that around 20 people were injured, with at least 11 foreigners among them.
The victims included four staff members from a social care institution situated at the top of the steep incline serviced by the funicular. As the city mourns the loss, two independent investigations are underway—one by GPIAAF and another by the prosecutors’ office—aiming to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
GPIAAF has committed to releasing a preliminary report within 45 days to provide further clarity on the crash. Speculations surrounding the cause have included ruptured high-tension cables and maintenance work overseen by Lisbon’s public transport operator, Carris. The agency’s head, Pedro Bogas, has staunchly defended the company’s maintenance protocols, asserting that all procedures were “scrupulously followed.”
Local media highlighted that the daily inspection conducted on the morning of the accident indicated that the operating system was running smoothly, raising more questions about the incident’s cause. Notably, the number of passengers utilizing the three funiculars operated by Carris surged by 53 percent between 2022 and 2024, reaching 1.5 million passengers last year, underscoring the importance of safety in public transport.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath, officials emphasize the urgent need for answers to prevent future tragedies. The focus remains on what caused the cable failure and how maintenance procedures can be improved to ensure the safety of all riders.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
