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This fatal cable car crash in Portugal's capital that took 16 people in the beginning of September was caused by a damaged wire, as stated by the official probe issued on the start of the week.

This inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's similar cable cars be kept non-operational until their security can be thoroughly verified.

Details of the Devastating Incident

The crash happened when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória left the rails and collided into a edifice, horrifying the capital and highlighting grave worries about the security of older visitor sites.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) stated that a line joining two cars had come loose shortly before the crash on September 3rd.

Preliminary Findings

This initial report confirmed that the line was not up to the specified requirements set by the urban transport operator.

The wire failed to comply with the standards mandated to be used for the Glória funicular.

This detailed document additionally urged that the remaining cable cars in the capital must stay suspended until experts can confirm they have adequate braking systems designed of halting the cabins in the event of a wire failure.

Victims and Injuries

Among the sixteen fatalities, eleven were international visitors, including 3 British individuals, two South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, one citizen of France, one citizen of Switzerland, one American, and a Ukrainian national.

This incident also harmed around twenty people, including three Britons.

The national casualties included 4 employees from the identical care facility, whose offices are situated at the summit of the steep street accessed by the funicular.

Operational Details

The Glória funicular was inaugurated in 1885, employing a method of counterweights to move its 2 compartments along its 870-foot route up and down a sharp slope.

Based on investigators, a routine check on the date of the crash identified nothing unusual with the line that subsequently snapped.

This probers also noted that the driver had activated the cable car's brakes, but they were powerless to stop the vehicle without the support of the counterweight system.

The complete incident unfolded in only less than a minute, per the inquiry.

Upcoming Measures

The agency is expected to release a conclusive report with operational recommendations within the following twelve months, though an intermediary document may deliver further information on the development of the inquiry.