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The tragic cable car crash in Lisbon that cost 16 lives in the beginning of September was caused by a damaged line, per the authoritative probe issued on Monday.

The investigation has advised that Lisbon's comparable cable cars stay out of service until their security can be completely confirmed.

Details of the Devastating Accident

This accident happened when the 19th-century Glória funicular went off track and collided into a structure, horrifying the city and sparking grave fears about the safety of older visitor sites.

The country's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) stated that a cable joining two cars had come loose just before the tragedy on September 3rd.

Preliminary Findings

The early report indicated that the line did not meet the specified requirements set by the urban transport operator.

The cable was not in compliance with the requirements currently applicable to be employed for the Glória funicular.

This 35-page analysis further recommended that the remaining inclined railways in the city ought to stay suspended until authorities can verify they have adequate stopping mechanisms able of immobilising the cabins in the event of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Injuries

Among the 16 casualties, eleven were international visitors, featuring 3 UK individuals, 2 Korean nationals, two Canadian nationals, a French national, a citizen of Switzerland, an citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian.

This accident also harmed about 20 people, comprising 3 Britons.

Among the Portuguese fatalities comprised 4 employees from the same social care institution, whose workplace are located at the summit of the sharp alley used by the funicular.

Operational Information

This Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to drive its two compartments along its long path climbing and descending a sharp hill.

Based on investigators, a regular inspection on the day of the accident identified no issues with the cable that subsequently snapped.

This probers also noted that the driver had activated the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to stop the carriage without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The entire crash occurred in only 50 seconds, per the investigation.

Upcoming Actions

The investigative body is scheduled to release a conclusive document with safety recommendations within the next year, though an interim document may provide additional details on the status of the probe.