🔗 Share this article Faulty Line Led to Portuguese Capital Funicular Collapse, Investigation Finds This tragic cable car incident in Lisbon that took 16 victims in the beginning of September was caused by a faulty cable, per the formal probe issued on Monday. The inquiry has urged that Portugal's capital's similar vehicles be kept out of service until their safety can be thoroughly verified. Specifics of the Tragic Accident The accident occurred when the 19th-century Glória cable car derailed and smashed into a structure, stunning the city and sparking grave concerns about the reliability of older visitor sites. The nation's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) reported that a cable connecting two cars had come loose just before the tragedy on 3 September. Initial Results The early report stated that the cable did not meet the required specifications set by the urban public transport company. The line failed to comply with the standards currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória funicular. This detailed analysis further urged that all cable cars in the capital must remain suspended until authorities can ensure they have sufficient brakes capable of stopping the vehicles in the event of a cable break. Fatalities and Harm Of the sixteen fatalities, eleven were international visitors, featuring three UK nationals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadians, a Frenchwoman, a citizen of Switzerland, an US national, and one citizen of Ukraine. This incident also injured approximately 20 people, including 3 UK nationals. Among the national victims featured four employees from the identical welfare organization, whose offices are located at the summit of the sheer street serviced by the funicular. Historical Context The Glória funicular was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a method of weight compensation to propel its two cars along its 265-metre route ascending and descending a steep incline. Based on authorities, a routine inspection on the day of the accident detected no anomalies with the line that subsequently failed. The investigators also noted that the conductor had engaged the vehicle's stopping mechanism, but they were unable to prevent the car without the support of the counterweight system. The entire event unfolded in only less than a minute, per the probe. Future Measures This agency is anticipated to issue a conclusive analysis with safety suggestions within the next year, though an interim document may deliver further information on the progress of the probe.