The Lisbon funicular railway crash on Wednesday, September 3rd, was caused by cable break—according to the Portuguese Air and Rail Accident Investigation Board (GPIAAF).
An initial investigation into the tragedy found there were no cable issues reported during a routine check earlier that day.
The accident happened at speeds of around 60 km/h and unfolded in under 50 seconds when the cable lost tension, causing one car to accelerate downhill uncontrollably. The car derailed, hit a building and a lamppost and eventually stopped after hitting the corner of another building.
The crash killed 16 people (five Portuguese, 11 foreigners) and injured around 20, with five still in a serious condition.
