Damaged Cable Resulted in Lisbon Cable Car Collapse, Investigation Determines

This fatal cable car crash in Portugal's capital that took 16 victims in early September was triggered by a defective wire, as stated by the formal probe issued on Monday.

The probe has urged that the city's similar cable cars stay non-operational until their safety can be completely confirmed.

Specifics of the Tragic Incident

The accident occurred when the 19th-century Glória cable car derailed and collided into a building, stunning the capital and sparking serious worries about the reliability of historic tourist attractions.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) reported that a cable connecting two cars had detached moments before the tragedy on 3 September.

Initial Results

This early report stated that the line failed to meet the mandatory specifications outlined by the urban public transport company.

The line failed to comply with the specifications mandated to be employed for the Glória tram.

This 35-page report further advised that other funiculars in Lisbon ought to stay out of service until experts can ensure they have adequate braking systems capable of immobilising the vehicles in the case of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Harm

Among the sixteen fatalities, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising three UK nationals, 2 citizens of South Korea, two Canadian nationals, one citizen of France, one citizen of Switzerland, one citizen of the United States, and a citizen of Ukraine.

This crash also injured about 20 individuals, among them three Britons.

Among the Portuguese fatalities included 4 workers from the same social care institution, whose premises are situated at the peak of the sheer street used by the inclined railway.

Background Information

The Glória funicular first opened in 1885, using a system of counterweights to propel its two wagons along its 265-metre track ascending and descending a steep hill.

As per authorities, a standard examination on the day of the accident identified no issues with the cable that eventually broke.

This investigators also reported that the driver had activated the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to prevent the vehicle without the assistance of the counterweight system.

The entire event transpired in just less than a minute, according to the inquiry.

Upcoming Actions

The investigative body is anticipated to release a conclusive document with security recommendations within the coming year, though an intermediary document may offer further details on the status of the inquiry.