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The fatal cable car accident in Lisbon that took sixteen lives in the beginning of September was triggered by a damaged line, per the formal probe issued on Monday.

The investigation has advised that Lisbon's similar cable cars stay out of service until their operational integrity can be fully assured.

Details of the Tragic Accident

The crash happened when the old Glória cable car left the rails and crashed into a structure, shocking the metropolis and highlighting significant fears about the safety of ageing tourist attractions.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the bureau) noted that a line connecting two compartments had disconnected just before the tragedy on September 3rd.

Initial Findings

The initial document indicated that the wire was not up to the mandatory specifications established by the city's transit authority.

The cable did not comply with the requirements mandated to be used for the Glória tram.

This 35-page analysis additionally advised that other inclined railways in the capital must be kept suspended until inspectors can confirm they have adequate brakes designed of stopping the cars in the scenario of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Casualties

Among the sixteen fatalities, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising three UK nationals, two Korean nationals, two citizens of Canada, one French national, one Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian national.

This accident also injured around 20 people, comprising three Britons.

The Portuguese victims featured four workers from the identical social care institution, whose workplace are located at the top of the steep street serviced by the cable car.

Operational Information

This Glória first opened in 1885, employing a method of counterweights to move its two compartments along its long path up and down a sharp hill.

Based on investigators, a routine check on the date of the incident found no issues with the line that later broke.

This probers also reported that the operator had engaged the funicular's brakes, but they were powerless to prevent the vehicle without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The complete event transpired in only 50 seconds, per the investigation.

Next Measures

The bureau is expected to publish a conclusive report with safety guidelines within the coming year, though an preliminary document may deliver additional details on the progress of the inquiry.