In brief
An investigation into the recent funicular crash in Lisbon has revealed that a snapped cable was the primary cause of the accident that led to the deaths of sixteen people. The Glória funicular railway, known for its steep routes, has been a significant part of the city's transport for 140 years. Authorities are now scrutinizing maintenance protocols and the overall safety of such funicular systems.
Portuguese officials investigating Wednesday's deadly funicular crash in Lisbon say a cable along the railway's route snapped, but the rest of the mechanism was functioning properly.
After examining the wreckage at the site, it was immediately determined that the cable connecting the two carriages had given way, according to the preliminary report.
The carriages of Lisbon's iconic, 140-year-old Glória funicular railway are designed to travel up and down steep slopes.
Sixteen people died and about 20 were injured when one of the carriages derailed on Wednesday evening.
Five of those killed were Portuguese along with three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss and a French national, police said.
Portugal's prime minister, Luis Montenegro, described the incident as one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.
