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The fatal funicular crash in Lisbon that took 16 people in the beginning of September was triggered by a defective cable, as stated by the formal investigation published on Monday.

This inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's equivalent vehicles be kept out of service until their security can be completely confirmed.

Details of the Deadly Event

This collision took place when the old Glória funicular left the rails and smashed into a structure, horrifying the city and sparking grave worries about the security of ageing visitor sites.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) stated that a cable linking two compartments had detached moments before the crash on 3 September.

Preliminary Conclusions

This initial analysis indicated that the wire did not meet the required requirements set by the local transport operator.

This wire did not comply with the standards currently applicable to be used for the Glória cable car.

This comprehensive report additionally advised that all cable cars in the capital should stay out of service until authorities can ensure they have adequate brakes designed of stopping the cabins in the case of a wire failure.

Victims and Casualties

Among the sixteen fatalities, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising three UK individuals, two citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadians, one citizen of France, one Swiss national, one American, and a Ukrainian.

The incident also hurt around 20 persons, comprising three Britons.

The Portuguese casualties included 4 workers from the same welfare organization, whose offices are situated at the peak of the sharp alley serviced by the cable car.

Background Details

This Glória funicular began operation in 1885, using a system of balancing weights to move its 2 cars along its long route up and down a sharp slope.

Based on the bureau, a routine examination on the morning of the incident detected no issues with the line that later broke.

The experts also reported that the driver had engaged the vehicle's braking system, but they were powerless to halt the car without the support of the weight compensation system.

The whole incident occurred in only less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Next Actions

The bureau is scheduled to release a final analysis with security suggestions within the coming year, though an interim update may provide additional updates on the status of the probe.