Lisbon Funicular Accident: Cable Disconnection Reported
- A fatal funicular accident in Lisbon on Wednesday, resulting in 16 deaths, was caused by the disconnection of the cable connecting the two cabins, according to a report...
- The accident occured on the Glória funicular, a historic cable car line in Lisbon.Initial reports indicate the funicular derailed at a curve on the calçada da Glória,a steep...
- According to a detailed account from Agence France-presse (AFP) and FGN, the vehicle initially derailed at the start of the curve.
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Lisbon Funicular Derailment: Investigation Points too Cable Disconnection
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A fatal funicular accident in Lisbon on Wednesday, resulting in 16 deaths, was caused by the disconnection of the cable connecting the two cabins, according to a report released Saturday by the investigation office on air and railway accidents (GPIAAF).
Updated September 6, 2025, 20:25:27 UTC
What Happened?
The accident occured on the Glória funicular, a historic cable car line in Lisbon.Initial reports indicate the funicular derailed at a curve on the calçada da Glória,a steep street in the city center. The vehicle,traveling at speed,lost control and overturned.
According to a detailed account from Agence France-presse (AFP) and FGN, the vehicle initially derailed at the start of the curve. It then struck the upper part of a building on the left side of the Calçada, causing damage to the wooden body. The funicular continued its uncontrolled descent,hitting a public lamp and a cast iron support for the elevator electrical network,causing meaningful damage.it crashed into the corner of another building.
Investigation Findings: Cable Disconnection
the GPIAAF’s preliminary report states the accident was directly caused by “the disconnection of the cable between the two cabins” of the funicular. This disconnection led to the loss of control and subsequent derailment. The report emphasizes that a visual inspection of the cable conducted on the morning of the accident did not reveal any anomalies (Reuters).
Further investigation is underway to determine *why* the cable disconnected despite passing the visual inspection. Possible causes being explored include metal fatigue, improper maintenance, or external factors.
The Glória funicular: A lisbon Landmark
The Glória funicular is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most iconic transportation systems. Opened in 1885, it connects the praça dos Restauradores in the Baixa district with the Bairro alto neighborhood, climbing a steep hill. It’s a popular tourist attraction and a vital part of Lisbon’s public transport network.
| Funicular Line | Year opened | Length (meters) | Inclination (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glória | 1885 | 183 | 18 |
| Bica | 1890 | 135 | 17 |
| Lavra | 1884 | 184 | 22 |
Source: Lisbon.net – Funiculars