An investigation lasting almost a year has concluded that a defective heater combined with highly flammable hydraulic brake oil caused the deadly fire that claimed the lives of 155 people in Kaprun last November.

Announcing the findings of a five-member expert commission that examined the tragedy, Walter Graefinger, president of Salzburg's regional court, said a small heater located in the driver's cabin became blocked, causing hydraulic oil in nearby pipes to overheat. The hot brake oil then dripped onto the plastic-coated floor, causing a fire to break out.

The tragedy was the Alps' worst ever disaster and shocked the skiing world. Unfortunately the rush to apportion blame did generate some sensationalist journalism, as snowboarders were singled out by The Times as possible culprits.

The underground funicular where the accident happened will never re-open to the public and has been replaced by a 24-person gondola.


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