Inquiry Launched Promptly to Identify Exact Factors behind the Mishap
In a shocking turn of events, a fatal accident occurred at Lisbon's iconic Elevador da Glória on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 15 individuals and leaving 18 others injured, five of them severely.
The accident site was promptly attended by the PJ (Portuguese Judicial Police), who dispatched the homicide brigade and technicians from the police science laboratory to investigate the cause of the tragedy.
The Elevador da Glória, a landmark in the city, has been under the maintenance of an external entity, Elevadores de Lisboa, for the past 14 years. The maintenance of the elevator is carried out every four years, with interim checks every two years. The latest general maintenance was performed in 2022, and an interim repair was conducted in 2024.
Reports suggest that a cable from the elevator may have been the cause of the accident. However, the exact cause is yet to be determined, and an investigation, led by Carris (Companhia de Carris) in collaboration with the authorities, is underway to uncover the "real causes" of the accident.
Carris, the company responsible for the management of public transportation in Lisbon, has expressed its deep regret for the loss of lives and has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation. The company has also launched a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
The accident occurred near the Avenida da Liberdade, causing a significant disruption in the city's transportation system. The authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
As the investigation continues, the city of Lisbon mourns the loss of its citizens and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Elevador da Glória, once a symbol of the city's progress and resilience, now stands as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and maintenance in public infrastructure.
The incident serves as a grim reminder for all involved in the maintenance and operation of public transportation systems to prioritise safety and adhere strictly to maintenance protocols. Negligence crimes or crimes with eventual intent are suspected to be involved, and the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for justice.
The people of Lisbon, in their time of grief, stand united, hoping for answers and a return to normalcy. The city's resilience, however, remains unshaken, as it continues to move forward, guided by the lessons learned from this tragic event.
