Lisbon Funicular Crash: Official Report Blames Catastrophic Cable Snap

A terrifying incident that saw one of Lisbon's historic funiculars derail and crash, injuring 28 people, has now officially been attributed to a catastrophic cable snap. The horrifying accident, which unfolded in October 2021 on the city's iconic Lavra funicular, left passengers screaming in panic as the carriage careened out of control before slamming into a nearby building.

The long-awaited official report, finally published, confirms what many suspected: the main traction cable, responsible for pulling the funicular up and down the steep incline, simply gave way.

This mechanical failure sent shockwaves through the popular tourist attraction, transforming a picturesque ride into a scene of chaos and injuries.

Among the 28 individuals who sustained injuries were numerous tourists, including a young child. Witnesses at the scene recounted moments of sheer terror, describing the sickening crunch of metal and the screams of trapped passengers as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Rescuers worked tirelessly to extricate those caught inside the crumpled carriage, providing immediate medical attention to the wounded.

The Lavra funicular, a cherished part of Lisbon's public transport network since 1884, is one of the oldest and most beloved in the city. Operated by Carris, the public transport company, its reliability had largely been unquestioned for over a century.

However, this incident has undeniably cast a shadow over its safety record and raised critical questions about maintenance protocols for such historic infrastructure.

The findings of the investigation underscore the vital importance of rigorous safety checks and ongoing maintenance, particularly for systems that transport thousands of people daily in a city heavily reliant on its unique public transport.

As Lisbon continues to charm visitors with its steep hills and charming conveyances, ensuring the safety of these beloved modes of transport remains paramount.