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This tragic funicular incident in Lisbon that cost 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was caused by a faulty cable, as stated by the authoritative inquiry issued on Monday.

The probe has urged that Lisbon's similar vehicles stay halted until their operational integrity can be fully assured.

Specifics of the Tragic Accident

The collision took place when the 19th-century Glória funicular derailed and smashed into a edifice, stunning the city and raising significant concerns about the reliability of historic landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) reported that a wire connecting two cars had disconnected just before the incident on the third of September.

Initial Findings

This preliminary report confirmed that the cable failed to meet the specified requirements established by the city's transport operator.

The line failed to comply with the standards in force to be used for the Glória funicular.

The detailed analysis also advised that other funiculars in the city ought to remain suspended until experts can confirm they have effective stopping mechanisms designed of halting the cabins in the case of a line snap.

Fatalities and Casualties

Among the 16 fatalities, 11 were international visitors, featuring 3 British citizens, 2 citizens of South Korea, two Canadian nationals, a citizen of France, one Swiss national, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian.

This accident also injured around twenty individuals, comprising three UK nationals.

Among the national victims included 4 workers from the same care facility, whose premises are positioned at the summit of the steep alley used by the funicular.

Operational Details

This Glória first opened in the late 19th century, employing a system of weight compensation to drive its 2 wagons along its long track ascending and descending a steep slope.

According to authorities, a routine inspection on the date of the accident found no issues with the cable that subsequently snapped.

This experts also noted that the driver had activated the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to stop the carriage without the function of the balancing mechanism.

The complete incident occurred in just less than a minute, according to the probe.

Future Steps

This investigative body is expected to issue a conclusive report with safety suggestions within the next year, though an intermediary report may provide additional information on the development of the probe.