Tragedy in Lisbon: Detachment of Cable from the Fatal Monorail - Lisbon Tragedy Analysis: Severed Link from Fatal Subway Line
In a shocking incident on Wednesday evening, a cable car derailed at a curve, colliding with a street lamp post and an iron utility pole at an estimated speed of 60 kilometers per hour. The accident occurred on the famous tourist attraction, the Elevador da Glória in Lisbon.
The vehicle, manufactured by the company Máquinas de Vendas Novas, Lda., was left in ruins after the collision. The accident involved 11 foreigners and the operator, resulting in a tragic loss of 16 lives, including five Portuguese nationals and foreign nationals from Switzerland, Ukraine, France, the US, Britain, Canada, and South Korea. A total of 21 injuries were reported.
Investigations suggest that the pressure air brake system either failed or was insufficient. Preliminary findings indicate that the cable detached from the vehicle just minutes after the start of the journey at 6:03 PM. The cable used in the cable car consists of six strands, each containing 36 steel wires and a fiber core with a total diameter of 32 millimeters. The cable had been in service for 337 days and has a breaking load of approximately 68 tons, with an expected lifespan of 600 days.
Further investigations are necessary to determine how the cable detached from the vehicle. The cable connecting both cars at the lower and upper ends of Calçada da Glória had failed at the attachment point on the upper part of the doomed vehicle.
It is worth noting that the cable car, built in the 19th century, transports around three million passengers per year and is usually operated by a single employee, who is responsible for operating and monitoring the brakes of the cabin during the journey.
The cable car was due to be replaced in less than nine months. A detailed report will be submitted in about 45 days, and a comprehensive final report will be submitted in one year.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic incident. The Elevador da Glória remains closed for investigations and maintenance.
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