Initial investigation into the deadly tram disaster in Lisbon’s Gloria line has identified a broken towing cable as the cause, though the possibility of brake failure remains under investigation.
Event Description
8 victims have been identified so far, including 5 Portuguese nationals, 2 South Koreans, and a Swiss citizen. The tram derailed from an inclined section of the track and collided with a building. The line has been closed for inspections while 16 passengers lost their lives.
National Mourning
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro declared the disaster as “one of the greatest tragedies in our recent history” and call for nationwide mourning. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon’s mayor Carlos Moedas attended a memorial mass at the Church of Saint Dominic.
Operational Concerns
While preliminary investigations suggest a broken towing cable as the primary cause, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of brake failure. The tram had been through its general inspection in 2022 and an intermediate inspection the year prior. Maintenance checks passed in both cases.
