Lisbon funicular crash reveals safety issues in infrastructure

In Short:
– A cable car accident in Lisbon killed at least 16 people due to aged infrastructure and lack of safety features.
– Experts advocate for modern materials in construction to improve safety and reduce crash severity.

A cable car accident in Lisbon has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, highlighting safety issues with the city’s aging infrastructure.

The Gloria Funicular derailed, crashing into a building after its traction cable snapped.

The vehicle’s outdated design, which has remained unchanged since 1914, has been criticised for lacking modern safety features.Jorge Silva, a civil protection expert, suggested that a car built with modern materials like carbon fibre could have mitigated the severity of the crash.

He pointed out that while current models are robust under normal conditions, they are not adequately designed to withstand derailment impacts.

The funicular, which serves over three million passengers annually, has seen a significant increase in usage.

The municipal transport company Carris maintains that all safety protocols have been followed. However, there are calls for more frequent inspections and maintenance to prevent future incidents.

Previous efforts to modernise Lisbon’s infrastructure raise concerns among engineers about preserving the city’s historical architecture against seismic risks. Existing regulations do not mandate enhancements for older buildings during renovations.

Safety Concerns

While newer constructions are required to have seismic-resistant structures, there are gaps in enforcement for historic buildings, jeopardising their stability.