Comboios de Portugal (CP) has launched an inquiry to determine the causes of an incident involving the detachment of a carriage from an intercity train during a long-distance trip on Monday, October 13.
“Following internal procedures, an inquiry has been initiated to ascertain potential causes and improvement actions,” stated the company in response to Notícias ao Minuto.
The CP confirmed that “yesterday, around 4 p.m., an intercity train departing from Lisbon towards Faro experienced an anomaly leaving the Grândola station.”
“The issue,” they explained, “was the disengagement between two compositions, resulting in the train carriages’ separation.”
CP assures that “there is no previous record of such a failure” and emphasizes that “all rolling stock undergoes thorough periodic maintenance by the company.”
The inspection plan for the carriage in question is being followed as planned, the company adds.
CP also highlights that “passenger safety was not compromised, as the train is designed to automatically stop and immobilize in these situations, as occurred.”
In terms of safety, the break in the coupling triggers a rupture in the main brake pipe, causing the train to stop immediately, meaning both parts of the train stopped automatically, regardless of the track’s incline.
The Algarve intercity train was left halted on the track, with a carriage separated a few meters from the rest. It was assisted by a Medway freight train nearby and later towed to Grândola station.
“Passengers in the affected carriage were safely transferred to the remaining carriages,” states CP in a note to Notícias ao Minuto.
They further add: “After all carriages and their safety conditions were checked, the train resumed its journey to Faro. The affected carriage was secured in Grândola with the help of a Medway locomotive.”
The company concludes the statement by appreciating the “effort and dedication of the maintenance teams who, with competence and commitment, ensure the operation,” highlighting that “they play a crucial role.”
“We also emphasize the exemplary work of CP’s support teams who managed operations and cared for passengers,” it adds.
To Notícias ao Minuto, the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) confirmed that “a preliminary analysis process on the reported incident has been opened to gather relevant information and assess whether there is a need for a formal investigation.”
The investigation’s result may take up to two months and will be published on the GPIAAF official website.
The couplings of a CP train broke during a journey between Lisbon and Faro, leaving one carriage behind. The incident caused no injuries but was “potentially dangerous.” The GPIAAF has already opened a preliminary analysis to gather information.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 09:34 – 14/10/2025
