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The deadly cable car crash in Lisbon that cost 16 people in early September was caused by a defective cable, according to the official probe issued on Monday.

The probe has recommended that Portugal's capital's similar vehicles be kept non-operational until their security can be completely assured.

Details of the Deadly Event

The crash occurred when the historic Glória funicular left the rails and collided into a building, stunning the city and raising significant fears about the reliability of older tourist attractions.

Portugal's transport safety authority (the bureau) stated that a cable joining two cabins had disconnected just before the incident on 3 September.

Early Conclusions

The initial document confirmed that the cable was not up to the mandatory requirements established by the city's public transport company.

The wire was not in compliance with the specifications in force to be used for the Glória cable car.

The detailed report further recommended that the remaining inclined railways in Lisbon ought to be kept non-operational until experts can ensure they have sufficient brakes designed of immobilising the cabins in the case of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Harm

Of the 16 casualties, eleven were foreign nationals, featuring 3 UK citizens, two Korean nationals, two Canadian nationals, a Frenchwoman, a Swiss, one US national, and one Ukrainian.

This crash also injured approximately twenty persons, comprising 3 UK nationals.

Among the Portuguese fatalities featured 4 workers from the same social care institution, whose offices are positioned at the peak of the sheer street serviced by the funicular.

Background Context

This Glória funicular began operation in the late 19th century, using a method of weight compensation to propel its 2 compartments along its 265-metre track climbing and descending a precipitous slope.

Based on the bureau, a standard examination on the date of the accident identified nothing unusual with the wire that eventually failed.

The experts also noted that the driver had engaged the vehicle's braking system, but they were powerless to prevent the vehicle without the support of the counterweight system.

The complete incident unfolded in just less than a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Future Steps

The bureau is anticipated to issue a final document with security guidelines within the next year, though an intermediary document may deliver more information on the status of the inquiry.