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This fatal funicular incident in Lisbon that claimed 16 lives in the beginning of September was attributed to a damaged cable, as stated by the formal inquiry published on Monday.

This probe has urged that the city's similar cable cars be kept halted until their safety can be thoroughly assured.

Details of the Devastating Incident

The crash took place when the old Elevador da Glória derailed and crashed into a edifice, horrifying the capital and raising grave worries about the safety of historic tourist attractions.

The country's accident investigation agency (the bureau) reported that a wire linking two cabins had detached just before the crash on the third of September.

Initial Findings

This initial document stated that the line failed to meet the specified requirements established by the local transport operator.

This cable was not in compliance with the requirements currently applicable to be used for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive analysis further urged that other funiculars in the city should stay out of service until authorities can confirm they have effective braking systems capable of halting the vehicles in the event of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Casualties

Among the sixteen victims, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including three British nationals, two South Koreans, two citizens of Canada, a Frenchwoman, a Swiss, an American, and a Ukrainian national.

The incident also injured approximately 20 persons, including three British citizens.

The local victims comprised 4 employees from the same care facility, whose offices are located at the peak of the steep street serviced by the funicular.

Operational Information

The Glória funicular was inaugurated in the late 19th century, employing a system of balancing weights to drive its 2 wagons along its long path climbing and descending a precipitous incline.

Based on the bureau, a standard examination on the date of the crash detected no issues with the line that subsequently snapped.

This probers also noted that the conductor had engaged the funicular's brakes, but they were powerless to stop the vehicle without the support of the weight compensation system.

This complete event unfolded in just less than a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Upcoming Actions

This investigative body is expected to issue a conclusive report with operational recommendations within the following twelve months, though an intermediary report may offer further details on the development of the probe.