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The fatal cable car accident in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was caused by a damaged cable, according to the authoritative probe issued on the start of the week.

This inquiry has advised that Lisbon's similar vehicles remain non-operational until their safety can be thoroughly confirmed.

Particulars of the Devastating Event

This accident occurred when the historic Glória cable car went off track and smashed into a structure, horrifying the city and raising significant worries about the safety of ageing visitor sites.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) reported that a cable linking two cars had come loose just before the incident on September 3rd.

Preliminary Results

The early analysis confirmed that the line failed to meet the mandatory requirements set by the urban public transport company.

The line did not comply with the standards mandated to be used for the Glória tram.

The 35-page document also advised that all cable cars in Lisbon must stay out of service until inspectors can confirm they have effective braking systems capable of immobilising the vehicles in the case of a line snap.

Fatalities and Harm

Of the sixteen casualties, eleven were foreign nationals, comprising 3 British citizens, two citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadians, one Frenchwoman, one Swiss, an US national, and a Ukrainian.

The incident also hurt about 20 people, comprising 3 British citizens.

The Portuguese victims comprised 4 employees from the equivalent welfare organization, whose offices are located at the top of the steep alley accessed by the cable car.

Background Context

This Glória began operation in the late 19th century, employing a system of balancing weights to propel its two wagons along its 870-foot route ascending and descending a precipitous incline.

According to the bureau, a routine inspection on the date of the accident identified no issues with the line that eventually broke.

The experts also reported that the driver had activated the funicular's braking system, but they were incapable to halt the car without the assistance of the counterweight system.

The entire event transpired in merely 50 seconds, as stated by the probe.

Upcoming Steps

This investigative body is expected to release a final document with operational recommendations within the next year, though an intermediary report may provide further information on the progress of the probe.