Background on the Funicular de la Gloria
The Funicular de la Gloria is a historic cable car system in Lisbon, Portugal, connecting the Rossio Square with the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Built in 1914, this two-car system uses a counterweight mechanism to ascend and descend along a 45-meter incline over a 276-meter route with an average gradient of 18%. The funicular operates with a balance cable connecting the cabins, ensuring equilibrium through a reversible gearbox located in an underground technical compartment at Calçada da Glória.
Accident Details and Initial Investigation Findings
On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3, a tragic accident occurred on the Funicular de la Gloria, resulting in 16 fatalities and 20 injuries. The initial investigation by the Portuguese Public Investigation Agency for Air and Rail Accidents (GPIAAF) has revealed that the collision took place at a speed of 60 km/h, with all events unfolding within less than 50 seconds.
According to the investigation, at 18:00 (local time) on September 3, both cabins were stationed at their respective stops. Shortly after, the cabins began their journey; however, “a few moments after departure and after covering only six meters, they suddenly lost the balance ensured by the connecting cable.”
Victims and Impact
The victims of this accident include five Portuguese nationals and eleven foreigners. The tragedy has left the Lisbon community in mourning and raised questions about funicular safety and maintenance procedures.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the cause of the Lisbon funicular accident? The initial investigation suggests that the accident was caused by the disconnection of the cable linking the two cabins, leading to a loss of balance and subsequent collision.
- How fast were the cabins traveling at the time of the accident? The collision occurred at a speed of 60 km/h.
- How many people were killed and injured in the accident? Sixteen people lost their lives, and twenty others sustained injuries.
- Who were the victims of the Lisbon funicular accident? Five Portuguese nationals and eleven foreigners were among the deceased.
- What is the Funicular de la Gloria and how does it function? The Funicular de la Gloria is a historic cable car system in Lisbon, connecting Rossio Square with Bairro Alto. It consists of two yellow cabins that alternate ascent and descent using a counterweight mechanism along a 45-meter incline over a 276-meter route with an average gradient of 18%. The balance is maintained through a connecting cable and a reversible gearbox in an underground technical compartment at Calçada da Glória.
