dw.com
Lissabon Funicular Accident Kills 16
On Wednesday, a cable car accident on Lisbon's Ascensor da Glória funicular killed 16 people, injuring 21 others, after a connecting cable malfunction caused a car to derail at high speed.
- What were the details of the cable and the prior inspection?
- The cable, in use for 337 of its 600-day lifespan, consisted of six strands of 36 steel wires each, with a fiber core and a total diameter of 32 millimeters. A routine inspection had been performed the morning of the accident, revealing no apparent issues with the cable or braking system.
- What caused the Lisbon funicular accident and what were the immediate consequences?
- A connecting cable between the two cars of Lisbon's Ascensor da Glória funicular snapped, causing one car to rapidly descend and derail at approximately 60 kilometers per hour, resulting in 16 fatalities and 21 injuries. The accident occurred during routine operation, shortly after the cars departed their respective stations.
- What are the next steps in investigating this accident, and what broader implications might this have for similar systems?
- Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the cable failure. A preliminary report is expected in 45 days, with a full report within a year. The accident raises serious questions about the safety protocols and maintenance practices of funicular systems globally.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a relatively neutral account of the accident, focusing on the factual details of the investigation and the human toll. The headline, while mentioning the death toll, doesn't sensationalize the event. The structure prioritizes the timeline of events and the findings of the investigation, providing a factual basis for understanding the accident. However, the emphasis on the speed of the cable car (60 km/h) and the description of the impact could be interpreted as slightly sensationalizing, potentially influencing reader perception of the severity.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, employing factual reporting. Terms like "entgleist" (derailed) and "abruptly" are descriptive but not overly emotional. However, phrases like "with increasing speed" and the description of the impact ("with a speed of about 60 kilometers per hour... it overturned and collided with a house wall and a lamppost") might be considered slightly sensational. More neutral alternatives could include "accelerated" instead of "with increasing speed" and a less graphic description of the impact.
Bias by Omission
The article does not delve into potential systemic failures that might have contributed to the accident beyond the immediate cause of cable failure. While it mentions a routine inspection, it doesn't explore the thoroughness of the inspection process or the maintenance history of the cable car. Information about potential regulatory oversight or industry standards is also absent. The absence of these details might limit the audience's understanding of preventative measures and broader implications.
Sustainable Development Goals
The accident caused the death of 16 people and injuries to 21 others. This can indirectly impact poverty levels for families of victims, particularly if they lacked sufficient insurance or support systems.