The first information regarding the causes of the derailment of the famous Lisbon funicular, which entailed numerous victims, has already hit the media. The preliminary report says that the connecting cable was damaged. However, according to the AFP news agency, the rest of the mechanism worked correctly.
"After inspecting the wreckage at the accident site, it was immediately established that the cable connecting the two cars had failed," the preliminary report of the National Transportation Safety Administration says.
The mechanic tried to apply emergency braking, but could not prevent the train from derailing. The impact of the accident "occurred at a speed of about 60 km / h," and "all these events occurred in less than 50 seconds."
The Gloria funicular consists of two yellow cars, which alternately rise and fall with the help of a counterweight system, overcoming a height difference of 45 meters over 276 meters, "with an average slope of 18%."
"The cars are connected to each other by a cable that balances their weight by means of a large reversible wheel located at the top of the Calzada da Gloria, in an underground technical compartment," the investigators explained, also emphasizing that the cable connecting the two cars was laid underground.
"At 18:00 local time on September 3, the cars of the Gloria funicular were parked at the respective stations," the researchers continue, noting that the exact number of passengers in each car is unknown at this stage.
A few minutes later, the cars set off, but "a few moments after departure, having traveled about six meters, (they) suddenly lost the balancing force provided by the connecting cable connecting them."
"Train No. 2 (at the end of the route) suddenly retreated (...). As for train No. 1, at the top of Calzada da Gloria, he continued his descent, increasing his speed. Approximately 170 meters after the start of the route, at the beginning of the right turn, which is the final part of the Kalsada highway, the vehicle derailed due to high speed and began to tip over," the investigators explained.
"The vehicle completely lost control, hitting the upper part of the car from the side against the wall of the building, which led to the destruction of the wooden box, then crashed into the street lighting pole and the support of the elevator's overhead electrical network, made of cast iron, which caused significant damage to the body. The uncontrolled movement ended in the corner of another building," the experts concluded.
EADaily reminds that sixteen people were killed and about 20 injured as a result of the derailment of one of the cars on Wednesday evening. Five of the dead were Portuguese. The victims also include three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss and a Frenchman.