Glória Funicular accident investigation delayed until 2027

The final report regarding the Glória Funicular accident in Lisbon, which resulted in 16 deaths and dozens of injuries, will be delayed until the end of the first quarter of 2027. The Bureau for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) originally planned to publish the findings by September 3, one year after the incident.

The delay is attributed to the complexity of the technical investigations required. Because the Glória and Lavra funiculars are unique in the world with limited technical documentation, investigators must conduct in-depth studies. The GPIAAF has contracted three specialized entities to evaluate the condition and behavior of the cables, the braking systems, and the dynamic modeling of the system.

Some of the necessary tests are described as destructive and irrepetible, requiring careful coordination with a parallel investigation by the Public Ministry to optimize resources and public spending.