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This tragic funicular crash in Lisbon that cost 16 lives in the beginning of September was caused by a defective line, per the formal investigation published on Monday.

The probe has recommended that Portugal's capital's comparable transports remain non-operational until their safety can be thoroughly confirmed.

Specifics of the Devastating Accident

This collision occurred when the 19th-century Glória cable car derailed and smashed into a building, shocking the capital and highlighting grave worries about the safety of historic tourist attractions.

The nation's transport safety authority (the bureau) noted that a line joining two cabins had come loose just before the crash on September 3rd.

Preliminary Conclusions

The preliminary analysis confirmed that the wire was not up to the required requirements established by the city's public transport company.

The line failed to comply with the specifications mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The 35-page document further advised that other cable cars in the capital must be kept non-operational until inspectors can ensure they have effective braking systems able of immobilising the cars in the event of a cable break.

Fatalities and Harm

Of the sixteen victims, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising 3 UK individuals, two Korean nationals, 2 Canadian nationals, one citizen of France, a Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This accident also harmed approximately 20 people, comprising three UK nationals.

The Portuguese fatalities comprised 4 workers from the identical social care institution, whose offices are positioned at the top of the sheer street accessed by the inclined railway.

Background Context

The Glória was inaugurated in 1885, using a mechanism of weight compensation to propel its 2 compartments along its 265-metre route climbing and descending a sharp incline.

According to authorities, a regular check on the morning of the incident detected no issues with the wire that later snapped.

This experts also stated that the operator had activated the cable car's brakes, but they were incapable to halt the carriage without the function of the counterweight system.

The whole event transpired in merely less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Future Steps

The agency is expected to release a final report with operational recommendations within the coming year, though an preliminary update may provide additional information on the status of the probe.