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This tragic cable car incident in Lisbon that claimed 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was attributed to a damaged cable, according to the official probe issued on the start of the week.

The investigation has urged that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars be kept non-operational until their security can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Devastating Incident

The collision occurred when the historic Glória cable car derailed and collided into a building, stunning the capital and raising serious worries about the safety of historic tourist attractions.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the bureau) noted that a wire connecting two compartments had detached moments before the incident on the third of September.

Initial Results

This early document confirmed that the cable failed to meet the specified specifications outlined by the city's public transport company.

This wire did not comply with the standards currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This 35-page document also recommended that the remaining inclined railways in Lisbon must be kept suspended until inspectors can verify they have effective braking systems designed of stopping the vehicles in the case of a cable break.

Victims and Harm

Among the sixteen fatalities, eleven were foreign nationals, featuring 3 British citizens, 2 citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadian nationals, a Frenchwoman, a Swiss, an US national, and a Ukrainian national.

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

The local victims comprised four workers from the equivalent social care institution, whose premises are positioned at the peak of the sharp side road used by the funicular.

Operational Information

The Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of counterweights to move its two cars along its long route climbing and descending a steep incline.

According to the bureau, a regular check on the morning of the accident detected no anomalies with the wire that later failed.

The probers also reported that the operator had engaged the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to stop the vehicle without the assistance of the balancing mechanism.

The entire event transpired in only 50 seconds, per the inquiry.

Next Measures

The bureau is anticipated to issue a conclusive report with safety suggestions within the coming year, though an interim report may deliver more information on the status of the investigation.