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The fatal funicular accident in Lisbon that claimed 16 victims in the beginning of September was caused by a damaged wire, according to the authoritative probe issued on the start of the week.

The probe has urged that Lisbon's similar transports remain non-operational until their safety can be thoroughly verified.

Details of the Devastating Accident

The accident occurred when the old Glória funicular went off track and smashed into a structure, shocking the capital and highlighting serious concerns about the security of older tourist attractions.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) noted that a wire joining two cars had disconnected shortly before the crash on the third of September.

Initial Results

This early report stated that the cable failed to meet the mandatory standards established by the urban public transport company.

The line did not comply with the specifications in force to be employed for the Glória tram.

The detailed document further advised that all inclined railways in the capital should remain out of service until experts can ensure they have sufficient stopping mechanisms capable of halting the cabins in the scenario of a cable break.

Victims and Harm

Among the sixteen fatalities, 11 were foreign nationals, featuring 3 British nationals, two citizens of South Korea, two Canadian nationals, one Frenchwoman, one citizen of Switzerland, one American, and one Ukrainian.

The incident also injured approximately 20 individuals, among them three British citizens.

Among the national victims included four employees from the same social care institution, whose workplace are positioned at the peak of the sheer street used by the cable car.

Operational Information

This Elevador da Glória began operation in the late 19th century, using a system of counterweights to propel its two wagons along its 870-foot track climbing and descending a sharp hill.

According to the bureau, a routine check on the date of the accident identified nothing unusual with the cable that subsequently snapped.

The probers also reported that the operator had engaged the funicular's braking system, but they were unable to halt the vehicle without the support of the counterweight system.

This entire event transpired in merely less than a minute, as stated by the probe.

Next Steps

This investigative body is anticipated to issue a final report with operational recommendations within the coming year, though an interim report may provide further updates on the status of the investigation.