Glory Elevator Cable Failure: Plastic Rope Core Investigation
- The Elevador da Glória, a historic funicular in Lisbon, Portugal, experienced an accident on September 11, 2025, leading to a temporary suspension of service.
- According to initial reports from Expresso, the cable used in the Elevador da Glória was found to have a core constructed from plastic rope, rather than the expected...
- While the exact nature of the failure is still being persistent, experts suggest that the plastic core may have degraded over time, leading to breakage or slippage.
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Elevador da Glória Accident: Cable Choice with Plastic core Linked to Failure
Table of Contents
– Updated September 12, 2025, 01:11:58
Incident Overview
The Elevador da Glória, a historic funicular in Lisbon, Portugal, experienced an accident on September 11, 2025, leading to a temporary suspension of service. Preliminary investigations point to the selection of a cable with a plastic core as a contributing factor to the malfunction. The incident is currently under investigation by Portuguese authorities.
Investigation Findings
According to initial reports from Expresso, the cable used in the Elevador da Glória was found to have a core constructed from plastic rope, rather than the expected steel or other robust material. This choice is now being scrutinized as a potential root cause of the accident. The use of a plastic core considerably reduces the cable’s tensile strength and resistance to wear and tear, especially under the stress of repeated operation.
While the exact nature of the failure is still being persistent, experts suggest that the plastic core may have degraded over time, leading to breakage or slippage. The investigation is focusing on the decision-making process that led to the selection of this cable and whether it met required safety standards.
History of the Elevador da Glória
The Elevador da Glória is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most iconic funiculars, dating back to 1885. It connects the Praça dos restauradores with the Bairro Alto neighborhood, providing a steep ascent for pedestrians. The funicular has undergone several renovations throughout its history, but this incident raises questions about the quality of recent maintenance work.
Safety Concerns and Future Implications
The accident has prompted a wider review of safety protocols for Lisbon’s historic funiculars and elevators.City officials have announced that all similar systems will undergo thorough inspections to ensure they meet current safety standards. This includes a review of cable materials, maintenance records, and operational procedures.
The incident also highlights the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure. Balancing the preservation of historical landmarks with the need for modern safety standards requires careful planning and investment. The cost of repairs and upgrades to the Elevador da Glória and other historic systems is expected to be significant.