Inquiry into Glória Lift accident expected to close in March 2027
The Public Prosecutor's Office is expected to conclude its investigation into the Glória Lift accident, which killed 16 people, by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Criminal investigation into Glória Lift awaits technical examinations scheduled for November
The Public Prosecutor's Office estimates it will complete its inquiry into the Glória Lift accident in Lisbon by the end of March 2027. The accident resulted in 16 deaths on 3 September 2025. The conclusion of testing and technical examinations is scheduled for November this year, according to rr.pt.
The Attorney General's Office issued a statement on Wednesday, the eve of the first anniversary of the accident, explaining that examinations deemed necessary had been ordered to clarify "the facts that led to the occurrence and any possible criminal responsibilities".
Criminal investigation independent but coordinated with GPIAAF
The criminal investigation is being conducted independently of that carried out by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF), although according to the Public Prosecutor's Office there are "several points of convergence" between the two processes.
The examinations were conducted in coordination with the GPIAAF, taking into account that some of the tests are "destructive and irreproducible", which would make their duplication unfeasible. Despite sharing technical work, the two investigations have maintained distinct objectives: the criminal aspect, in the case of the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the technical and prevention aspect, in the case of the GPIAAF.
Traction cable, brakes and maintenance under scrutiny
Technical work focused on the characteristics, functioning condition and behaviour of the traction cable and its attachment to the vehicle, as well as the braking systems and the dynamics of their operation. The conditions of brake adhesion to the rails and wheels, the electrical system of the vehicles and its relationship with the braking systems and the traction cable were also analysed.
The investigation also covers the corporate organisation and the maintenance processes and quality and safety certification used by Carris. The Public Prosecutor's Office emphasises the "high technical complexity" of the examinations, which required the manufacture and acquisition of structures and parts necessary to obtain reliable data. Carris, the statement notes, "actively collaborated in this process".
New tests emerged as the investigation progressed
As the work progressed, new doubts arose and the need for additional clarification, which led to the carrying out of new technical tests. The Department of Criminal Investigation and Action (DIAP) highlighted the "high professionalism, commitment and dedication of all the experts involved".
The investigation continued during the judicial recess period and now awaits the conclusion of the examinations scheduled for November. After this phase, the Public Prosecutor's Office will proceed to a "thorough analysis of the facts" and a "careful evaluation of the sufficiency of evidence", followed by any determination of criminal responsibilities.
The final decision on the inquiry should be known by the end of March 2027, "barring any unforeseen circumstances", according to the Attorney General's Office statement.
Source: RTP