Lisbon funicular was inspected just hours before deadly crash

7 Sep 2025 • 4:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A preliminary report into the deadly Lisbon funicular crash found that a cable linking the two carriages snapped.
  • The incident, which occurred at about 6pm on Wednesday, resulted in 16 fatalities and 23 injuries.
  • After the cable snapped, the carriage travelled only six metres before its brake-guard activated, but the brake failed, causing it to crash at around 60kmph.
  • The report said a visual inspection was carried out on the funicular on the morning of the crash, but the area where the cable broke was not visible “without dismantling”.
  • Investigators say they have not yet reached valid conclusions on the cause, and a full preliminary report is expected within 45 days.

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