Shocking 2018 Gloria Funicular Derailment in Lisbon: No Official Report Filed Despite Incident

Incident Overview

In May 2018, the Gloria Funicular in Lisbon experienced a derailment, an event that was officially recorded but did not result in any report from the Comissão de Investigação de Acidentes Graves (CIAG). According to Carris, the municipal transport company, this was confirmed after a historical review. The incident led to an early general repair that was already scheduled for that year, causing the funicular to be closed from May 7 to June 10, 2018.

Lack of Investigation Report

Carris clarified that the CIAG did not produce a report because the incident did not meet the criteria for a serious accident, which typically involves human casualties. A source from the previous administration (2016-2022) explained that the derailment caused no damage beyond the rail, thus not warranting a formal report. The current board of Carris was not informed about this occurrence, as it happened before their tenure.

Maintenance and Aftermath

Following the derailment, the planned general maintenance was expedited. Technicians from Carris supervised the repairs carried out by MNTC, ensuring the funicular was restored to normal operation. Documents from the time, including 'Information and Procedures', 'Accident/Incident Record', and 'Occurrence Form', all dated May 7, 2018, confirm the event. These records detail that the derailment occurred at 7:30 AM, was reported by the guard, and was later deemed an 'incident without responsibility'.

Political Implications

The incident has recently resurfaced in political discourse. Carlos Moedas, the current mayor of Lisbon, referenced it in an interview to question the actions of the previous Carris administration and the municipal government under Fernando Medina. Moedas highlighted the absence of a report, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The previous city council was informed of the derailment and the decision to suspend service for maintenance.