Report on deadly Portugal streetcar derailment describes failure of cable connecting cabins
Original story by
ABC News•Sep 6•Transportation, Crime
📰 Article Summary
An investigative report revealed that a cable connecting two cabins of a Lisbon streetcar snapped, leading to a tragic derailment that resulted in 16 fatalities and 21 injuries. Officials described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in Lisbon's recent history. The accident occurred when the streetcar, known as Elevador da Gloria, lost its balancing force, causing the cabin to speed down a steep slope despite attempts by the brakeman to stop it. Further investigation will determine the causes, with a final report expected in the future.
📌 Key Facts
- Cable Snap Report: The initial investigative report indicated that a critical cable connecting the streetcar's cabins snapped, leading to the derailment. This cable failure caused the cabin at the top of the hill to lose its balancing force.
- Casualties: The crash resulted in 16 deaths and 21 injuries, marking it as one of the most significant tragedies in Lisbon's recent memory, which drew significant media attention and official concern.
- Streetcar Details: The Elevador da Gloria, a funicular streetcar in Lisbon, has been operational since 1914, carrying passengers up and down steep hills. It can accommodate more than 40 people, both seated and standing.
- Emergency Response: Upon the crisis, the cabin’s brakeman attempted to use both the pneumatic and hand brakes to stop the descent, but these measures failed, and the cabin continued to accelerate down the slope.
- Future Reports: A final report detailing the accident's causes will be published later. Should a conclusive report take longer than a year, an interim report will be released to provide interim findings.
📂 Article Classification
Topic Tags: Transportation
📍 Location
Lisbon, Portugal
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