A recent official preliminary report revealed that a streetcar accident in Lisbon, Portugal, last month, which claimed the lives of 16 individuals, including three Canadians, and injured 21 others, was caused by a steel cable failure and maintenance deficiencies. The incident, considered one of Lisbon’s most devastating tragedies in recent history, involved a century-old streetcar known as a funicular due to its operation on a steep hill alongside another car, attracting many tourists to the city.
The streetcar lost control while descending the hill, derailed on a curve, and collided with a building, resulting in significant damage to the wooden cabin. Among the victims, 11 were foreigners, including a couple from Quebec and a man from Ottawa. The report by the Office for Air and Rail Accident Prevention and Investigation highlighted that the underground steel cable connecting the two cars to balance their weight was inadequate and not suitable for public transport, contrary to the manufacturer’s guidelines, despite being in use for less than a year.
The investigation revealed multiple instances where the maintenance program did not meet required standards, leading to the cable’s failure. Following the cable breakage, safety mechanisms disengaged the power to the streetcar, rendering the pneumatic brake ineffective and the manual brake insufficient to halt the car’s descent. The inquiry is also examining potential enhancements to streetcar braking systems.
Notably, the preliminary report clarified that its purpose was not to assign liability or blame but to provide initial insights. A comprehensive final report with a detailed analysis of the accident is anticipated to be released next year.