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This tragic cable car incident in Lisbon that took 16 victims in the beginning of September was caused by a defective wire, per the authoritative inquiry issued on Monday.

This investigation has advised that the city's comparable vehicles remain out of service until their security can be fully verified.

Details of the Deadly Event

This crash occurred when the old Elevador da Glória went off track and crashed into a edifice, stunning the metropolis and highlighting significant concerns about the safety of historic landmarks.

The nation's transport safety authority (the bureau) reported that a cable linking two cars had come loose shortly before the crash on 3 September.

Initial Findings

The initial analysis stated that the line failed to meet the required standards established by the city's transit authority.

This cable did not comply with the specifications in force to be employed for the Glória funicular.

The detailed document also recommended that other funiculars in the city must remain suspended until experts can verify they have effective stopping mechanisms capable of stopping the cabins in the case of a cable break.

Victims and Injuries

Of the sixteen fatalities, 11 were international visitors, featuring 3 UK nationals, two South Koreans, two citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, a citizen of Switzerland, one American, and a Ukrainian national.

The accident also hurt around twenty individuals, including 3 Britons.

Among the Portuguese casualties included 4 employees from the equivalent social care institution, whose premises are located at the peak of the steep alley accessed by the funicular.

Operational Details

The Glória funicular was inaugurated in 1885, using a method of counterweights to drive its 2 compartments along its 265-metre track up and down a precipitous hill.

According to the bureau, a regular check on the morning of the incident found no issues with the line that eventually failed.

The probers also stated that the conductor had activated the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were incapable to halt the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

The entire incident occurred in merely under a minute, according to the probe.

Future Measures

The agency is anticipated to release a conclusive analysis with safety guidelines within the following twelve months, though an preliminary update may deliver additional updates on the development of the probe.