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The tragic cable car accident in Portugal's capital that took 16 lives in early September was caused by a defective line, per the formal investigation released on Monday.

The investigation has recommended that the city's equivalent vehicles stay non-operational until their security can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Devastating Incident

This crash took place when the historic Glória cable car left the rails and crashed into a edifice, horrifying the metropolis and sparking serious concerns about the reliability of historic visitor sites.

Portugal's transport safety authority (the bureau) noted that a cable linking two compartments had come loose shortly before the incident on September 3rd.

Early Conclusions

This initial document indicated that the line failed to meet the specified standards outlined by the city's public transport company.

The wire was not in compliance with the requirements mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive report additionally recommended that the remaining funiculars in Lisbon should be kept non-operational until experts can confirm they have effective stopping mechanisms designed of immobilising the cabins in the event of a cable break.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the 16 fatalities, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 British nationals, 2 citizens of South Korea, two Canadian nationals, one citizen of France, a Swiss, one citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian national.

The accident also hurt around 20 people, comprising 3 Britons.

Among the national victims included four employees from the same social care institution, whose workplace are positioned at the summit of the steep street accessed by the funicular.

Background Context

The Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a system of balancing weights to move its two cars along its 870-foot path ascending and descending a sharp incline.

According to investigators, a standard check on the date of the incident identified no anomalies with the cable that later snapped.

This investigators also stated that the operator had activated the cable car's braking system, but they were powerless to stop the carriage without the function of the counterweight system.

This complete incident transpired in just under a minute, as stated by the investigation.

Future Measures

The investigative body is scheduled to publish a definitive report with operational recommendations within the following twelve months, though an preliminary report may deliver additional information on the progress of the investigation.