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This deadly cable car accident in Lisbon that cost sixteen victims in the start of the ninth month was triggered by a faulty wire, as stated by the authoritative probe released on Monday.

The inquiry has advised that the city's similar cable cars be kept halted until their operational integrity can be fully verified.

Details of the Deadly Event

This crash occurred when the historic Elevador da Glória went off track and collided into a structure, stunning the capital and raising serious concerns about the security of ageing landmarks.

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

Early Conclusions

The initial analysis indicated that the line was not up to the specified specifications set by the city's public transport company.

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

This 35-page analysis also advised that other inclined railways in the city should remain non-operational until experts can verify they have adequate braking systems designed of stopping the vehicles in the event of a wire failure.

Casualties and Harm

Among the sixteen victims, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 British nationals, 2 South Koreans, two Canadians, a French national, one citizen of Switzerland, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian.

This crash also hurt about 20 persons, comprising 3 UK nationals.

Among the Portuguese casualties included 4 workers from the equivalent welfare organization, whose premises are situated at the top of the sharp side road accessed by the funicular.

Background Context

This Glória funicular began operation in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to move its two cars along its 870-foot route climbing and descending a steep slope.

As per authorities, a regular examination on the day of the incident found no issues with the wire that eventually failed.

This experts also noted that the driver had engaged the cable car's brakes, but they were powerless to stop the car without the assistance of the counterweight system.

This complete incident occurred in only less than a minute, per the probe.

Upcoming Steps

The agency is expected to issue a final document with security guidelines within the next year, though an intermediary update may deliver additional information on the status of the probe.