The Ecologist Party Os Verdes has demanded explanations following a preliminary report by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) regarding the causes of the September 3 accident that resulted in 16 deaths and around 20 injuries.
In a statement, the ecological party group in the Lisbon Municipal Assembly emphasized that the preliminary report highlights “significant failures in equipment and maintenance, whose existence cannot be downplayed or attributed solely to technical aspects.”
“Therefore, a comprehensive clarification is required from the Mayor of Lisbon, who oversees Carris, regarding the reasons for such irregularities, and how the recommendations, which should be regarded as directives, will be urgently implemented to ensure an effective safety system for Lisbon’s funiculars,” the group stated.
The preliminary report reveals that the cable connecting the two cabins of the Glória elevator, which failed at its carriage attachment point leading to the derailment, did not meet Carris specifications, was not certified for passenger transport, and showed signs of wear.
This public body identified maintenance failures and omissions by a service provider company, including procedures recorded as completed but not actually performed.
It also pointed to a lack of training for staff and specialists in funiculars, as well as insufficient control and oversight by Carris over the work conducted by the service provider.
Following the report, Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas stated that the accident stemmed from technical, not political causes.
“These preliminary conclusions are extremely concerning and extend beyond technical to also political issues,” Os Verdes noted, highlighting their intention to bring the matter to discussion in the Lisbon Municipal Assembly.
The GPIAAF report recommends that Carris not reactivate Lisbon’s elevators “without reassessment by a specialized entity,” and advises the Institute for Mobility and Transport to implement an appropriate regulatory framework.
