Tragedy Strikes Lisbon: Glória Funicular Derailment Claims Lives and Sparks Investigations

The city of Lisbon is grappling with tragedy following the derailment of the iconic Glória funicular on Wednesday evening, which has left 15 people dead and 23 others injured, with at least five in serious condition. One Italian citizen sustained minor injuries, marking a somber day for both locals and tourists alike. The incident, which occurred around 6 PM, prompted immediate investigations by the National Institute of Legal Medicine, which plans to complete autopsies by Thursday morning to officially identify the victims. In tandem, personnel from the Portuguese Ministry of Transport’s agency responsible for air and rail accidents were dispatched to the scene to collect critical evidence, although initial attempts were hampered by staff shortages. According to reports from the esteemed newspaper Público, the most prevailing theory posits that the derailment was caused by a breakage in a safety cable designed to maintain the counterbalance between the ascending and descending cars of the funicular. This mechanical failure is said to have resulted in the descending car sliding down uncontrollably, derailing and crashing into a nearby building—an incident that left the car completely destroyed. As the investigation unfolds, critical discussions have emerged regarding the maintenance of the funicular system. The public transport company Carris, which operates the Glória funicular alongside other transit services, asserted that the last comprehensive maintenance check was conducted in 2022, with an intermediate check planned for 2024. Routine minor inspections were reportedly performed weekly and monthly. However, it's important to note that the responsibility for this maintenance was outsourced to an external company, MNTC Serviços Técnicos de Engenharia, through a public contract established in 2022. Manuel Leal, head of the railway workers union, revealed that Carris workers had repeatedly raised concerns about the efficacy of these outsourced maintenance efforts, urging the company to take the maintenance in-house. He indicated that specific warnings about the condition of the Glória funicular had been made. Outsourcing public maintenance contracts has become a standard practice, not only in Portugal but worldwide. While such arrangements can aid in cost-effectiveness, they also bring inherent risks. Often, the transfer of technical skills and oversight capabilities diminishes, compromising the public administration's ability to manage and monitor infrastructure directly. This can complicate accountability when incidents occur, potentially leading to devastating consequences. At this point, investigators are sifting through various factors to ascertain what played a role in the tragedy. In response to the derailment, the Portuguese government has declared a national day of mourning, while the Lisbon City Council has suspended operations on three other funiculars—Bica, Lavra, and Graça—for thorough inspections. The Glória funicular, a National Monument inaugurated in 1885, has served as a vital transport link and a delightful tourist attraction, shuttling approximately three million passengers each year between Praça dos Restauradores and the scenic viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. With a maximum capacity of 43 passengers, the funicular has not only provided essential transit but also framed the picturesque landscapes of the city. Unfortunately, this is not the first incident for the Glória funicular; it previously derailed during maintenance in May 2018, though there were no injuries reported at that time. Nonetheless, the recent tragic event marks a significant escalation in safety concerns, inspiring a deep reflection on the management of public transport infrastructure. As investigations proceed, the populace of Lisbon remains in mourning and in search of answers regarding this heartbreaking event. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3