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This tragic funicular accident in Lisbon that claimed 16 lives in the beginning of September was caused by a damaged wire, as stated by the formal investigation published on Monday.

This inquiry has urged that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars be kept non-operational until their operational integrity can be fully assured.

Details of the Devastating Incident

This collision occurred when the old Glória funicular derailed and smashed into a structure, shocking the capital and sparking significant fears about the safety of historic tourist attractions.

The country's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) reported that a line joining two cabins had come loose shortly before the incident on 3 September.

Early Conclusions

This early document indicated that the wire was not up to the mandatory requirements established by the city's public transport company.

This wire did not comply with the requirements mandated to be employed for the Glória tram.

The comprehensive analysis further urged that all inclined railways in the capital ought to stay suspended until authorities can verify they have effective braking systems capable of stopping the cabins in the case of a cable break.

Fatalities and Harm

Of the sixteen casualties, 11 were international visitors, including 3 UK citizens, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one Frenchwoman, one Swiss, one US national, and a Ukrainian.

This incident also hurt approximately twenty people, including 3 British citizens.

The Portuguese fatalities featured four employees from the identical welfare organization, whose offices are located at the summit of the sheer side road accessed by the cable car.

Operational Context

The Glória funicular began operation in the late 19th century, employing a system of weight compensation to drive its two compartments along its long route up and down a sharp slope.

According to authorities, a standard examination on the day of the accident detected nothing unusual with the wire that eventually snapped.

The experts also noted that the operator had activated the funicular's brakes, but they were unable to stop the carriage without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The complete crash transpired in merely less than a minute, per the probe.

Upcoming Actions

This bureau is anticipated to issue a conclusive analysis with security recommendations within the following twelve months, though an interim document may offer further updates on the status of the inquiry.