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This tragic cable car accident in Lisbon that cost 16 lives in the beginning of September was triggered by a defective line, as stated by the authoritative probe issued on Monday.

The probe has urged that the city's similar cable cars stay out of service until their operational integrity can be completely verified.

Details of the Deadly Accident

This crash took place when the historic Elevador da Glória went off track and smashed into a structure, stunning the metropolis and raising serious concerns about the reliability of ageing landmarks.

The nation's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) stated that a wire linking two cars had come loose shortly before the crash on September 3rd.

Initial Findings

This preliminary document confirmed that the wire failed to meet the mandatory standards set by the city's public transport company.

This wire was not in compliance with the standards in force to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive analysis additionally recommended that all cable cars in the city should be kept suspended until inspectors can confirm they have adequate brakes designed of halting the cars in the event of a cable break.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the 16 fatalities, 11 were international visitors, including three UK citizens, 2 South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, one French national, a Swiss national, one American, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This incident also hurt around twenty individuals, comprising three British citizens.

The local casualties featured four staff members from the identical care facility, whose workplace are positioned at the summit of the sheer side road accessed by the funicular.

Background Details

This Elevador da Glória began operation in 1885, employing a method of counterweights to propel its 2 compartments along its 870-foot track climbing and descending a steep slope.

Based on authorities, a regular inspection on the morning of the crash found nothing unusual with the cable that subsequently broke.

This experts also reported that the driver had applied the funicular's brakes, but they were powerless to halt the car without the assistance of the balancing mechanism.

The complete incident occurred in merely under a minute, as stated by the probe.

Next Steps

The investigative body is expected to release a definitive document with security suggestions within the following twelve months, though an intermediary document may deliver more details on the progress of the inquiry.