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This deadly cable car crash in Lisbon that claimed sixteen victims in the beginning of September was triggered by a defective cable, per the authoritative investigation released on Monday.

The probe has recommended that Lisbon's equivalent cable cars be kept non-operational until their security can be fully verified.

Particulars of the Deadly Event

The accident occurred when the historic Elevador da Glória left the rails and smashed into a building, horrifying the city and raising grave worries about the safety of ageing tourist attractions.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) noted that a wire linking two compartments had come loose shortly before the incident on September 3rd.

Early Results

This initial report confirmed that the cable was not up to the mandatory specifications set by the city's public transport company.

The wire did not comply with the specifications in force to be employed for the Glória cable car.

This 35-page report further urged that all inclined railways in the capital should remain non-operational until authorities can ensure they have sufficient braking systems designed of halting the cabins in the scenario of a wire failure.

Casualties and Harm

Among the 16 casualties, eleven were foreign nationals, featuring 3 UK nationals, 2 Korean nationals, 2 Canadians, a citizen of France, one Swiss national, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian.

This incident also hurt about twenty people, among them three UK nationals.

The national fatalities comprised four employees from the same social care institution, whose premises are located at the summit of the steep side road serviced by the cable car.

Background Context

The Elevador da Glória began operation in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of counterweights to propel its 2 cars along its 870-foot route up and down a steep slope.

According to investigators, a routine inspection on the morning of the crash identified no issues with the wire that eventually snapped.

The investigators also reported that the driver had applied the vehicle's braking system, but they were powerless to stop the carriage without the function of the counterweight system.

This whole event transpired in just less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Future Actions

The agency is anticipated to issue a final document with operational suggestions within the next year, though an intermediary update may provide more details on the status of the probe.