CP opens internal investigation into carriage separation
CP has opened an internal investigation to determine the possible causes of the "anomaly" that occurred this Monday, causing a carriage to become detached from an intercity train between Lisbon and Faro. The incident resulted from a "breakage of the coupling between two trains, resulting in the separation of the train's carriages," the company said.
CP also emphasizes that "there are no previous records of this failure occurring in the mechanical component that ruptured." It assures that " passenger safety was not affected , as the trains are designed to brake and immobilize vehicles in these situations, as occurred."
CP Intercity train lost carriage mid-journey between Lisbon and the Algarve
The episode was reported this Tuesday by the newspaper Público and confirmed in a clarification sent by the railway company this afternoon, following questions asked by Observador.
CP states that the "anomaly" occurred outside Grândola station around 4 p.m. and that after the carriage was immobilized, "passengers in the affected carriage were safely transferred to the remaining carriages." The train continued its journey to Faro after all carriages and their safety conditions were checked. The carriage that broke loose was left behind, and CP used a locomotive from Medway, a freight rail operator, to transport it.
In this clarification, CP "reinforces that the company scrupulously performs periodic maintenance on all rolling stock" and that the inspection plan for the carriage in question "is being followed as planned." However, it adds that, following "internal procedures, an investigation has already been initiated to determine possible causes and potential improvements." CP's maintenance was for years handled independently by a separate company, Emef, which was in the pipeline for sale to private companies during the Passos Coelho administration. Emef was integrated into CP in 2019 at the initiative of then-Minister Pedro Nuno Santos.
Without responding to Observador's questions about whether there is a connection between the increased pressure from increased demand and maintenance activity, CP highlights "the effort and dedication of the maintenance teams who, with competence and commitment, ensure the operation of approximately 1,350 trains daily. These workers play a crucial role, contributing to providing a safe service to our customers. We also highlight the work of CP's other support teams, who ensured exemplary management of the operation and passenger support."
observador
