Damaged Line Led to Lisbon Cable Car Collapse, Inquiry Determines

This deadly cable car accident in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen people in early September was caused by a faulty line, according to the formal probe issued on Monday.

The inquiry has recommended that Portugal's capital's similar vehicles be kept out of service until their operational integrity can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Tragic Accident

The crash occurred when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória left the rails and crashed into a building, shocking the capital and raising grave fears about the security of ageing landmarks.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) stated that a cable connecting two cabins had detached moments before the incident on September 3rd.

Early Findings

The preliminary document stated that the cable failed to meet the specified requirements outlined by the city's transit authority.

The line failed to comply with the requirements mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The comprehensive document additionally urged that other inclined railways in Lisbon should be kept suspended until experts can ensure they have adequate braking systems able of halting the cars in the scenario of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 16 victims, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising 3 UK nationals, two citizens of South Korea, two Canadians, a Frenchwoman, a Swiss, one American, and one Ukrainian national.

This incident also injured approximately twenty individuals, comprising 3 Britons.

Among the local casualties comprised 4 staff members from the equivalent welfare organization, whose premises are situated at the peak of the steep street serviced by the cable car.

Background Details

The Glória first opened in the late 19th century, utilizing a system of balancing weights to move its two compartments along its 265-metre path ascending and descending a steep slope.

According to investigators, a routine check on the date of the incident found nothing unusual with the line that eventually snapped.

This experts also stated that the operator had activated the funicular's brakes, but they were powerless to halt the car without the assistance of the counterweight system.

This complete event occurred in only under a minute, per the inquiry.

Upcoming Steps

This investigative body is expected to issue a definitive analysis with operational guidelines within the next year, though an preliminary update may deliver additional details on the status of the investigation.