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This deadly funicular accident in Lisbon that took 16 lives in early September was triggered by a faulty cable, as stated by the formal probe released on the start of the week.

The inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's equivalent transports be kept halted until their safety can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Devastating Event

This crash took place when the historic Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a edifice, horrifying the metropolis and raising significant concerns about the safety of ageing tourist attractions.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) stated that a wire linking two cars had disconnected shortly before the tragedy on September 3rd.

Preliminary Results

This preliminary document confirmed that the line did not meet the required requirements set by the local public transport company.

The wire failed to comply with the standards currently applicable to be employed for the Glória cable car.

This 35-page document additionally recommended that other inclined railways in Lisbon should stay out of service until experts can verify they have sufficient stopping mechanisms designed of stopping the vehicles in the case of a line snap.

Victims and Injuries

Among the 16 fatalities, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising three UK individuals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadians, a citizen of France, one citizen of Switzerland, an American, and one Ukrainian.

This incident also harmed about 20 persons, including 3 Britons.

The local fatalities featured four workers from the equivalent social care institution, whose premises are located at the peak of the steep side road serviced by the funicular.

Historical Information

This Glória began operation in 1885, utilizing a mechanism of balancing weights to move its 2 wagons along its 265-metre path climbing and descending a steep hill.

Based on the bureau, a standard examination on the day of the incident identified no issues with the wire that eventually broke.

This investigators also noted that the operator had applied the cable car's brakes, but they were unable to stop the vehicle without the assistance of the balancing mechanism.

This entire event transpired in just under a minute, as stated by the probe.

Next Steps

This bureau is expected to publish a final document with security recommendations within the following twelve months, though an preliminary document may offer further details on the development of the investigation.