Defective Cable Led to Portuguese Capital Cable Car Collapse, Investigation Reveals

The tragic funicular incident in Lisbon that took 16 lives in early September was caused by a damaged wire, according to the formal probe released on the start of the week.

This investigation has urged that Lisbon's equivalent transports remain non-operational until their safety can be completely assured.

Details of the Tragic Accident

This crash happened when the historic Glória cable car left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the capital and highlighting serious fears about the safety of older landmarks.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) noted that a wire joining two compartments had detached shortly before the incident on September 3rd.

Preliminary Findings

This initial document confirmed that the cable did not meet the required requirements outlined by the city's public transport company.

The cable did not comply with the standards mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The comprehensive analysis further urged that all cable cars in the city should stay suspended until experts can ensure they have adequate braking systems designed of immobilising the cars in the event of a line snap.

Casualties and Harm

Of the 16 fatalities, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 British citizens, 2 South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, one Frenchwoman, a citizen of Switzerland, one US national, and a Ukrainian national.

This incident also hurt around twenty people, comprising three Britons.

Among the local victims comprised 4 staff members from the identical social care institution, whose premises are situated at the top of the sharp street used by the inclined railway.

Operational Information

The Glória funicular first opened in the late 19th century, employing a system of counterweights to drive its two compartments along its long path ascending and descending a sharp slope.

As per the bureau, a routine inspection on the day of the crash detected nothing unusual with the wire that subsequently failed.

This experts also noted that the operator had engaged the vehicle's braking system, but they were incapable to prevent the car without the support of the counterweight system.

This entire crash occurred in just under a minute, according to the investigation.

Next Measures

This agency is anticipated to issue a conclusive analysis with security suggestions within the coming year, though an preliminary update may deliver more updates on the status of the probe.