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This deadly cable car incident in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was triggered by a defective cable, as stated by the formal investigation published on the start of the week.

The investigation has recommended that Lisbon's comparable cable cars stay halted until their safety can be fully confirmed.

Particulars of the Tragic Accident

This accident happened when the old Glória funicular went off track and smashed into a building, horrifying the metropolis and highlighting grave concerns about the reliability of older landmarks.

Portugal's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) noted that a wire connecting two compartments had disconnected moments before the incident on 3 September.

Early Findings

The initial analysis confirmed that the wire did not meet the mandatory standards set by the urban transport operator.

The line was not in compliance with the specifications currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive document also urged that other cable cars in the capital ought to stay suspended until inspectors can verify they have adequate brakes able of halting the cabins in the event of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 16 victims, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 British individuals, two citizens of South Korea, two citizens of Canada, a Frenchwoman, a Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian national.

This crash also hurt around 20 people, comprising 3 Britons.

The local victims featured 4 employees from the equivalent care facility, whose workplace are situated at the top of the steep street serviced by the cable car.

Historical Information

This Glória began operation in the late 19th century, employing a method of balancing weights to move its 2 compartments along its long path ascending and descending a steep incline.

According to authorities, a routine examination on the morning of the incident detected no issues with the wire that later snapped.

This investigators also noted that the driver had activated the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to prevent the vehicle without the support of the counterweight system.

This whole incident unfolded in merely less than a minute, per the probe.

Next Actions

The bureau is expected to issue a definitive analysis with security guidelines within the next year, though an preliminary document may provide additional updates on the development of the probe.