The official inquiry into the Lisbon funicular disaster has uncovered multiple safety concerns beyond the faulty cable that caused the fatal derailment. According to Portugal’s air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF), the cable used on the Glória line did not meet the city transport operator’s technical standards.
The agency has also recommended keeping all other cable railways in the capital grounded until their braking systems are proven capable of halting the cabins in case of a cable failure.
Investigators noted that a morning inspection on the day of the crash found no visible issues, and that the driver had activated the brakes, but they were ineffective without the counterweight system.
The Glória funicular, in operation since 1885, relied on a 265-metre track powered by a balance mechanism. The entire incident unfolded in just 50 seconds, according to the report. A final GPIAAF report with further safety recommendations is expected within the next year.
