A devastating funicular accident in Lisbon that claimed three lives and left dozens injured occurred after maintenance workers deliberately disconnected a critical safety mechanism, according to an official investigation seen by The Guardian.
The shocking report reveals that technicians working on the Elevador da Bica, one of Lisbon's iconic hillside railways, had disconnected the cable from its emergency braking system prior to the fatal incident on September 6th.
Catastrophic System Failure
When the primary cable snapped during operation, the disconnected safety system failed to engage, allowing the carriage to hurtle uncontrollably downhill before derailing and crashing into a building. The impact killed three passengers instantly and injured 47 others, many seriously.
The investigation states unequivocally that had the emergency braking system been properly connected, it would have automatically stopped the carriage within seconds of the main cable failure.
Maintenance Protocol Breaches
According to the report, the maintenance team violated multiple safety protocols by failing to reconnect the emergency system after completing their work. The disconnect occurred during routine maintenance operations, but the crucial reconnection step was either overlooked or improperly executed.
Portuguese transport authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the maintenance company responsible for the funicular's upkeep. The company's operating license has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Victims and Aftermath
Among the deceased were two Portuguese nationals and one Spanish tourist. The injured included passengers from multiple countries, with several remaining in critical condition following the crash.
Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, described the findings as "deeply disturbing" and announced an immediate safety review of all the city's funiculars and elevators. "This was not just a technical failure," Moedas stated. "This was a failure of procedure, of oversight, and of basic safety consciousness."
Transport Safety Reckoning
The tragedy has sparked national outrage and prompted calls for stricter regulation of Portugal's historic transport networks. The Elevador da Bica, dating back to 1892, is one of Lisbon's most beloved tourist attractions and daily transport routes for residents.
Transportation experts warn that many historic systems across Europe face similar maintenance challenges, balancing preservation with modern safety requirements. The Lisbon incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences when safety protocols are compromised.
The full investigative report will be presented to Portuguese parliament next week, with expected calls for legislative changes to prevent similar tragedies.
