Possible reasons for the Glory Elevator derailment?
In the heart of Lisbon, on Wednesday evening, the Elevador da Glória connecting Restauradores to Príncipe Real experienced an unfortunate incident. The iconic lift, a notable feature of the city, derailed and crashed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade.
The cause of the derailment was a burst traction cable, according to Fernando Nunes da Silva, a former councilor of the Lisbon Municipal Chamber and an engineering specialist. Mr. Nunes da Silva suggested that there was no human error in the incident.
The incident has prompted a significant response from emergency services. 62 operatives are at the scene, and 22 vehicles, including the Catastrophe Intervention Vehicle from INEM, are supporting the operation.
The details about the number of vehicles and operatives were provided by SIC. The INEM's Catastrophe Intervention Vehicle has been activated to assist in the ongoing incident.
It's important to note that the Elevador da Glória is operated, maintained, and upheld by the public transport company Carris. However, in recent years, maintenance has been outsourced to external companies, and a new maintenance service provider is currently being sought after a tender was canceled.
Despite the incident, Mr. Nunes da Silva stated that there is no memory of a similar incident occurring. The public is advised to avoid the area until further notice.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for such structures. The city of Lisbon and its residents hope for a swift resolution and the return of the Elevador da Glória to its normal operation.
