Investigation of the Accident in Lisbon: snapped cable and faulty brakes.

Tragedy in Lisbon: cable snapped

According to The Sun: A terrible incident occurred in Lisbon: as a result of a cable snap, a catastrophic event with an elevator took the lives of 16 people, investigators confirmed. The preliminary report showed that the emergency braking mechanism was activated, but it was not enough to stop the rapidly descending cabin.

Among the deceased were 36-year-old Kaylee Smith and 44-year-old William Nelson, as well as another British victim whose name has not yet been disclosed.

Details of the accident

According to preliminary data, two connected cabins of Glória Funicular traveled only six meters when they suddenly lost power support from the connecting cable. The brake was immediately activated, but it did not help stop the movement.

Despite attempts to stop the cabin, the upper cabin accelerated downwards, derailed, and collided with brick buildings at a speed of 37 miles per hour. About 50 seconds passed from the cable snap to the collision.

The authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation, which confirmed compliance with all technical inspections and protocols. A visual inspection was carried out in the morning, but the snapped cable was not accessible for inspection without disassembling the technical equipment.

It turned out that the snapped cable was still within its useful life, having been in use for only 337 days out of the projected 600.

Reactions from relatives and loved ones

The families of the deceased British citizens expressed their deep sorrow. Tatiana and Will Nelson were well-known figures in the theatrical community. In a statement by the police, the words of Kaylee's family were cited:

“Kaylee was beloved by her family and friends for her witty and kind nature, her kindness reflected in her work.”

Will's brother added:

“Words cannot convey how we feel, but attempts to explain it are impossible.”

Number of victims and circumstances

Among the deceased, there were also five Portuguese, two Koreans, and one passenger each from Switzerland, Ukraine, France, and the USA. The police confirmed that there were no British among the other 22 hospitalized.

The situation has sparked deep outrage both in Lisbon and beyond. The authorities have committed to taking measures to improve the safety of transportation systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.