Elevator da Glória experienced negligence in upkeep, according to João Soares, due to a supposed human error.
In a tragic incident, the Elevador da Glória, a beloved tourist attraction in Lisbon, derailed on Calçada da Glória on Wednesday at 18:04. The accident resulted in 15 fatalities and 18 injuries, with five of the injuries being severe.
The Elevador da Glória, operated by Carris, connects Restauradores to the Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bairro Alto, spanning approximately 265 meters. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique perspective of the city.
The exact cause of the derailment remains undisclosed. The maintenance and upkeep of the Elevador da Glória before the accident were the responsibility of Carris, which had outsourced the maintenance work to an external company for the past 14 years. A procurement process for a new contractor was initiated in April, but it was canceled in August due to bids exceeding the budget.
The severity of the injuries and fatalities was not further detailed in the information provided. Our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate event.
The incident has understandably caused concern among the public, and the authorities are currently investigating the cause of the derailment to ensure the safety of the citizens and tourists in the future. The Elevador da Glória remains closed until further notice.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and upkeep of public infrastructure. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
