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This fatal cable car accident in Lisbon that cost 16 lives in the beginning of September was triggered by a faulty wire, as stated by the official inquiry released on Monday.

The inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's equivalent vehicles stay non-operational until their operational integrity can be thoroughly confirmed.

Details of the Devastating Event

This collision occurred when the old Elevador da Glória went off track and collided into a building, stunning the capital and highlighting grave fears about the safety of ageing tourist attractions.

Portugal's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) stated that a wire connecting two cabins had come loose shortly before the tragedy on the third of September.

Initial Results

This early analysis stated that the line was not up to the mandatory standards set by the urban transport operator.

The wire failed to comply with the specifications in force to be used for the Glória funicular.

This detailed document further recommended that the remaining cable cars in Lisbon ought to remain suspended until inspectors can verify they have adequate braking systems capable of stopping the cars in the case of a line snap.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were international visitors, comprising three British nationals, two South Koreans, 2 Canadians, a Frenchwoman, a Swiss, one American, and a citizen of Ukraine.

This incident also harmed about 20 people, including three British citizens.

The national fatalities comprised 4 workers from the equivalent care facility, whose offices are situated at the peak of the sheer street accessed by the cable car.

Operational Details

This Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, using a system of counterweights to propel its two cars along its 870-foot path ascending and descending a steep slope.

Based on investigators, a routine examination on the date of the incident detected no anomalies with the wire that eventually failed.

This investigators also reported that the conductor had applied the cable car's brakes, but they were powerless to halt the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

This entire incident unfolded in only under a minute, per the investigation.

Future Actions

The agency is expected to issue a conclusive report with operational suggestions within the following twelve months, though an intermediary update may offer additional information on the progress of the probe.