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What caused the deadly Portugal cable crash?

Asked 3 hours ago

Answer

The deadly Portugal cable crash was likely caused by a snapped or disconnected cable on the funicular railway, which led to the tram losing control and crashing into a building. Investigations are ongoing, with preliminary findings indicating the cable passed inspection hours before the incident.

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France 24

Deadly Portugal funicular crash likely due to problems with cable

France 24 ยท Just In
France 24
France 24
Just In
  • A cable linking two funicular cabins disconnected shortly after a visual inspection. 9s
  • No anomalies were detected in the cable or braking systems during the scheduled inspection. 24s
  • The brakeman attempted to activate emergency brakes, but it is unclear if automatic brakes functioned. 32s
  • The crash resulted in 16 deaths, including 11 foreign nationals. 1m 2s
  • Passenger numbers on Lisbon's funiculars increased by 53 percent between 2022 and 2024. 1m 35s
TransportDisaster

References

Deadly Portugal funicular crash likely due to problems with cable
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France 24
3 hours ago
Deadly Portugal funicular crash likely due to problems with cable

Portugal's National Transport Safety Office stated that a cable linking two cabins disconnected shortly after passing a visual check.

U.S. citizen killed in Portugal streetcar crash
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CBS News
2 days ago
U.S. citizen killed in Portugal streetcar crash

Local media reported a frayed steel cable up higher on the hill had snapped, leading to the derailment.

Two Canadians missing after fatal Lisbon funicular crash
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CBC Canada
3 days ago
Two Canadians missing after fatal Lisbon funicular crash

One theory is that the cable running under the tracks that helped control the tram's speed snapped, causing the loss of control.

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