A SNAPPED cable has been confirmed as the cause of the devastating Lisbon funicular crash that killed 16, the first official report has found.
It was also confirmed the emergency brake was activated – but this wasn’t enough to stop the hurtling carriage from crashing and killing three Brits.
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Kayleigh Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, died in Wednesday’s horrific crash along with another British victim who has not yet been named.
The two connected carriages of the Glória Funicular had travelled no more than six metres when they “suddenly lost the balancing force of the connecting cable”, the report said.
The vehicle’s brakeman immediately “activated the pneumatic brake as well as the manual brake”, but this had no effect in reducing the vehicle’s speed”.
Despite the application of the brakes, the upper carriage began to accelerate down the track before derailing at the bend and flying into brick buildings at 37mph.
Since the disaster, questions had been raised about the age and upkeep of the iconic cable car system.
However, officials have provisionally found that all maintenance was up to date and protocols had been followed.
These initial findings have come from Portugal’s Aircraft and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office (GPIAAF).
The family of the British couple killed in the Lisbon funicular crash today said they are “heartbroken” in a tribute.
Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner, Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre, were named as two of the three Brits who died.
In a statement issued by Cheshire Police, Kayleigh’s family said: “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.
“She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a master’s degree. They both leave family and friends heartbroken.”
Will’s younger brother said: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt.
“This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s.
“He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him. He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always.
“Love you, rest in peace you legend.”
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