A preliminary report into the deadly Lisbon funicular crash has determined that the cable connecting the carriages was substandard and failed to meet specifications, leading to the accident that killed 16 people in September. Released on Monday, the findings highlight critical safety lapses and have prompted the suspension of other city funiculars until their safety can be assured.
The crash occurred on September 3, 2025, when the Elevador da Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building in central Lisbon. The incident, which lasted about 50 seconds, saw one carriage hurtle down a steep hill after the cable snapped. Emergency services responded quickly, but the impact resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, shocking the city and drawing international attention. Investigators from Portugal’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Prevention and Investigation (GPIAAF) began their work immediately, focusing on the cause of the failure.
According to the 35-page preliminary report, the steel haulage cable was not certified for public transport use and did not comply with standards set by the Carris Company of Lisbon (CCFL). The cable, which had been in service for less than a year, was identified as the primary cause of the failure. Investigators found that maintenance records referenced outdated or inapplicable standards, indicating systemic issues in the upkeep process. This oversight allowed a substandard component to remain in operation, despite routine inspections on the morning of the accident finding nothing unusual.
When the cable broke, safety mechanisms cut power to the funicular, which disabled the pneumatic brake. The manual brake proved insufficient to stop the descending carriage, leading to the crash. The GPIAAF noted that the braking systems were not capable of immobilizing the cabins in the event of a cable break, a critical flaw that must be addressed before other funiculars can resume operation. This failure underscores the need for redundant safety measures in such transport systems.
The tragedy claimed 16 lives, with 11 of the victims being foreign nationals from countries including the United Kingdom, South Korea, Canada, France, Switzerland, the United States, and Ukraine. Approximately 20 people were injured, some critically. Portuguese authorities declared a day of mourning, and the crash has sparked debates about the safety of historic transport systems in tourist-heavy areas. The victims included staff from a local social care institution, adding to the community’s grief.
The Elevador da Glória, inaugurated in 1885, is a national monument and a beloved tourist attraction, using a counterweight system to navigate its 265-meter track. Its suspension since the accident has affected tourism, and the city is now faced with balancing heritage preservation with modern safety requirements. The other three funiculars in Lisbon remain out of service as inspections continue, with authorities emphasizing that they will not reopen until braking systems are verified.
The preliminary report was released within 45 days of the crash, as required by regulations, and a final report with detailed safety recommendations is expected within the next year. The GPIAAF may issue intermediate updates to keep the public informed. The investigation is thorough, examining all aspects from manufacturing to maintenance, and aims to prevent future incidents through actionable insights.
Moving forward, the findings emphasize the need for stringent safety checks and updated protocols for aging infrastructure. Authorities are urged to implement the recommendations promptly to restore public confidence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular audits and adherence to specifications in public transport systems to prevent such disasters, with potential implications for similar historic railways worldwide.