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The fatal cable car accident in Lisbon that claimed 16 people in the beginning of September was caused by a defective line, as stated by the authoritative probe issued on the start of the week.

This inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's equivalent cable cars remain out of service until their safety can be completely confirmed.

Particulars of the Devastating Accident

This collision occurred when the historic Elevador da Glória left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the capital and raising significant worries about the reliability of ageing visitor sites.

The nation's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) reported that a cable connecting two cars had disconnected just before the incident on the third of September.

Early Results

This initial report confirmed that the wire did not meet the specified specifications outlined by the city's transport operator.

The line was not in compliance with the standards mandated to be used for the Glória funicular.

The comprehensive document further advised that other inclined railways in the city ought to be kept suspended until experts can ensure they have adequate stopping mechanisms capable of stopping the cars in the event of a line snap.

Victims and Injuries

Among the 16 fatalities, eleven were international visitors, featuring 3 UK citizens, 2 Korean nationals, two citizens of Canada, one French national, one Swiss national, an American, and one citizen of Ukraine.

The accident also harmed about twenty people, comprising 3 UK nationals.

Among the national victims included four workers from the equivalent care facility, whose premises are positioned at the top of the sheer alley serviced by the cable car.

Operational Context

This Elevador da Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a method of balancing weights to move its two cars along its 870-foot route ascending and descending a steep hill.

According to the bureau, a routine check on the morning of the incident detected nothing unusual with the cable that subsequently failed.

This experts also reported that the driver had engaged the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to stop the vehicle without the support of the weight compensation system.

This whole crash occurred in only 50 seconds, per the investigation.

Future Steps

This bureau is expected to publish a final report with safety recommendations within the next year, though an interim update may offer additional updates on the progress of the investigation.