At a press conference at the headquarters of the Judiciary Police (PJ) in Lisbon, GPIAAF coordinator Nelson Oliveira stated that all relevant aspects for the investigation will be scrutinized.
The examination will cover not only the initial elevator project and its subsequent electrification and “successive improvements and renovations,” but also focus on the maintenance and inspection history, said Nelson Oliveira, who was accompanied by National Police Director Luís Neves, National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (INMLCF) Director Francisco Corte Real, and National Health Service Executive Director Álvaro Almeida.
“There is a considerable history, particularly concerning the maintenance regime to which it is subjected, the supervision regime, and inspection by external entities. We will ensure an exhaustive analysis of all relevant documentation,” he confirmed.
The analysis will also consider “the training of individuals making interventions, and existing service provision contracts with external providers to Carris.”
Nelson Oliveira avoided committing to a specific deadline for concluding the investigation, promising only a preliminary report within 45 days. He emphasized that the completion time of the final report “will depend on the resources allocated to GPIAAF,” following inquiries regarding the request to hire another investigator.
“It should also be made clear that hiring one or two investigators does not immediately resolve the situation, as it takes two years to train a new investigator. But I don’t want to dwell on this issue here; this is not the time or place. We are observing a day of national and municipal mourning due to this tragic event,” he noted.
“However, I wish to express my firm belief that the Portuguese government will soon equip GPIAAF with the necessary resources, as respect for the victims of this incident demands,” he added.
Regarding the external audit of the accident requested from Carris by Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, the GPIAAF coordinator mentioned that this request was new to him but emphasized that investigations by the Public Ministry and the office take precedence over any other inquiries.
“Should GPIAAF identify any aspect that poses an immediate risk during the investigation, it will promptly inform the appropriate authorities to take precautions or necessary actions. To my knowledge, a preventive measure has already been enacted, suspending the other elevators until an independent entity conducts an expertise,” he further commented.
The Glória elevator in Lisbon derailed on Wednesday, resulting in 16 fatalities and about 20 injuries. The government declared today a national day of mourning.
Managed by Carris, the Glória elevator connects the Restauradores to the São Pedro de Alcântara Gardens in Bairro Alto over a 265-meter route and is a popular tourist attraction.
