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The tragic cable car crash in Portugal's capital that cost 16 lives in the beginning of September was caused by a damaged wire, per the formal investigation published on Monday.

The investigation has urged that Portugal's capital's comparable cable cars stay halted until their safety can be thoroughly assured.

Details of the Tragic Accident

This collision occurred when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória derailed and smashed into a edifice, horrifying the capital and highlighting grave fears about the security of ageing visitor sites.

Portugal's transport safety authority (the investigative body) reported that a wire linking two cars had disconnected moments before the tragedy on the third of September.

Preliminary Results

The preliminary analysis indicated that the line was not up to the specified specifications set by the local transport operator.

This cable did not comply with the specifications in force to be employed for the Glória funicular.

The detailed analysis further recommended that all inclined railways in Lisbon should stay out of service until experts can confirm they have effective brakes capable of stopping the cars in the case of a wire failure.

Victims and Casualties

Among the 16 fatalities, 11 were international visitors, comprising three UK individuals, two citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadian nationals, a citizen of France, one Swiss national, an American, and a citizen of Ukraine.

This accident also harmed approximately 20 people, comprising 3 UK nationals.

The national victims included 4 staff members from the same care facility, whose premises are positioned at the peak of the steep side road accessed by the inclined railway.

Historical Information

The Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, using a method of weight compensation to drive its two compartments along its long route ascending and descending a precipitous incline.

As per authorities, a routine inspection on the day of the crash found no issues with the line that subsequently snapped.

The experts also reported that the operator had engaged the cable car's braking system, but they were powerless to halt the vehicle without the function of the balancing mechanism.

This entire incident unfolded in merely 50 seconds, per the probe.

Next Steps

This bureau is expected to release a final report with safety guidelines within the next year, though an intermediary document may offer more details on the progress of the investigation.