Cable Failure Caused deadly lisbon Streetcar Derailment, Report Finds
Lisbon, Portugal – A critical cable failure was the direct cause of the August 2023 streetcar derailment in Lisbon that claimed four lives and injured dozens more, according to a newly released investigative report. The report,published September 7,2025,details a breakdown in maintenance protocols and identifies a specific flaw in the cable’s construction as contributing factors to the disaster.
The incident,which occurred on August 23,2023,near the Calçada da Bica neighborhood,brought renewed scrutiny to Lisbon’s aging public transportation infrastructure.The findings of this inquiry are expected to prompt a extensive review of safety standards and maintenance procedures across the city’s tram network, impacting commuters and raising questions about long-term investment in public services. An interim report was published one year prior.
Investigators persistent that a key cable responsible for controlling the streetcar’s braking system snapped due to metal fatigue exacerbated by inadequate lubrication and corrosion. The report states the cable had not been replaced within the recommended timeframe, despite documented evidence of wear.
“The failure wasn’t simply a matter of age, but a consequence of systemic neglect,” a source familiar with the report’s findings told reporters.”Proper maintenance could have identified and addressed the issue before it escalated to a catastrophic failure.”
The investigation was conducted by a team of independent engineers and transportation safety experts commissioned by the Lisbon city council. Their findings will be presented to the public prosecutor’s office,which will determine if criminal negligence played a role in the incident.
