A CP train lost a carriage due to coupling failure while traveling between Lisbon and Faro on Monday, October 13.
The incident, initially reported, occurred somewhere between Grândola and Canal Caveira. Although it caused no injuries, it was deemed “potentially very dangerous.”
The Intercidades departed from Oriente station in Lisbon at 14:02 and was scheduled to arrive in Faro at 17:35. At some point, the coupling between two carriages broke, detaching one of the vehicles from the rest of the train.
For safety, a coupling failure causes a rupture in the main brake pipe, which immediately halts the train, meaning both parts of the train stopped automatically, as should occur in such situations, regardless of the track’s gradient.
The Algarve Intercidades stopped on the track, with one carriage left a few meters from the rest of the train, requiring assistance from a nearby Medway freight train. The CP train was eventually towed to Grândola station.
A preliminary analysis has been opened by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) to gather information on the incident, believed to result from “some maintenance failure.”
Notícias ao Minuto has contacted CP and GPIAAF for more details on the case but has yet to receive a response.
Lack of Specialized Workers and Funds?
It is reported that one in five Intercidades carriages is currently sidelined in workshops awaiting maintenance or repairs.
The company reportedly struggles with a shortage of specialized workers and funds, delaying work due to a lack of superior decision-making. Sometimes, the procurement of a simple part can take weeks to authorize.
Additionally, CP faces demand pressure, leading to extended use of carriages beyond recommended mileage without visiting workshops for servicing.
