"The Lisbon squad emphasizes on implementing 'ultimate safety measures' following a tragic accident involving a funicular"
The Gloria funicular railway in Lisbon, Portugal, which connects the city's lower neighborhoods with its heights, has been closed following a tragic accident on 3 September 2025. The incident resulted in 16 fatalities and 22 injuries.
The funicular railways in Lisbon, known as elevadors, have been serving the city for nearly 150 years and were designed by the Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard. The Gloria funicular railway, which links Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto, has become popular among both tourists and locals for its panoramic views across the city, the Tagus River, and the Atlantic coastline.
City councillors in Lisbon have formed an expert team to work on safety mechanisms at the Gloria funicular railway. This team comprises municipal technicians, national engineers, regulators, and university academics. The team has the authority to decide whether and when it would be safe to reopen the railway.
The accident occurred due to a faulty cable. The connecting cable gave way at the attachment point to the cabin at the top of the hill, causing Cabin No. 2 to reverse and halt beyond the end of the track, while Cabin No. 1 continued its downward movement. The brakeman's efforts to stop the catastrophic descent using the pneumatic brake and hand brake were unsuccessful.
The Gloria funicular railway, a key part of Lisbon's transport infrastructure, is currently closed until further notice. The funicular railways were primarily used in Lisbon to overcome the city's steep hills, making transportation in these heavily inclined street areas feasible where early horse-drawn trams could not operate.
The expert team's investigation is ongoing, and the city's residents and visitors eagerly await updates on the Gloria funicular railway's reopening. The safety and well-being of all who use the railway are paramount, and the expert team's diligent work is crucial in ensuring that the railway can resume operations securely.
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