The first victim was identified by the accident with the derailment of the cable car in, which resulted in 17 people so far lost their lives.
In particular, this is André Marques, who was a fixed track worker. He controlled the rise and descent of the means of transport, as it crossed the area. His death was confirmed by Sitra, the transport workers’ union.
H: ‘We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish them a rapid recovery as well as the best recovery to the other injured».
This incident is recalled that it occurred shortly before 18:00 on Wednesday (20:00 Greek time). This time is considered a peak time for the cable car, which is a popular attraction for tourists.
What caused the accident?
Elevador da glória- as this cable car is called- derailed, downward before it crashed into a building. Some local media initially reported that a steel cable had relaxed. However, the authorities have not confirmed this.
Carris, the municipal company that manages the cable car, said in a statement that an investigation has begun the exact causes of the tragedy. At the same time, he emphasized that these media are undergoing general maintenance every four years, intermediate repairs every two years and are being inspected daily. The most recent repair process was 2024.
How do the cables work in Lisbon?
One moves upwards, while the other downwards. The second tram has not been damaged.
A cable car combines the technology of a lift and a railway. Specifically, it pulls a tram up and down on a cable, while its wheels roll along an orbit. This combination is designed to stabilize the tram, which moves on steep slopes.
What is Elevador da Glória?
Elevador da Glória is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon and dates from 1800. Yellow and white rail wagons attract millions of tourists a year. That is why it is difficult to confirm how many people were in the cable car at the time of the crash. At the same time, the victims’ nationalities have not yet been clarified, but there were both Portuguese and foreign means.
The story of Elevador da Glória
Elevador da Glória was inaugurated in 1885 and is the second oldest of the three Lisbon cables. It connects Restauradores Square in the city center with Bairro Alto, a district at the top of a hill, known for its nightlife and panoramic views.
The route is steep and is about 260 meters long, and takes close to three minutes.
The line is also used daily by locals to cross the capital’s steep hills.
