Streetcar accident in Lisbon results in fatalities due to cable malfunction, according to recent report.

In a tragic turn of events, a deadly derailment occurred on Wednesday in Lisbon, Portugal. The accident involved the historic Elevador da Gloria streetcar, a funicular harnessed by steel cables, which has been in use since 1914.

The investigative report states that the connecting cable between the two cabins essentially snapped, causing the cabin at the top to speed downward during the accident. The cabins had only traveled about 20 feet when they suddenly lost the balancing force provided by the connecting cable.

Despite the cabin's brakeman applying both the pneumatic brake and the hand brake, these actions had no effect in stopping or reducing the cabin's speed. The accident occurred on a steep downtown hill and resulted in 16 fatalities and injuries to 21 others.

An American was among those killed in the tragic incident. The exact number of passengers in each vehicle at the time of the accident has not yet been determined.

The investigation of this unfortunate event was assigned to the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aviation and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) in Lisbon. A final report containing the causes of the accident is expected to be published later. If a final report isn't possible within one year, an interim report will be published instead.

The Elevador da Gloria funicular can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. This accident is one of Lisbon's worst tragedies in recent memory, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in public transportation.

Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.

Streetcar accident in Lisbon results in fatalities due to cable malfunction, according to recent report.