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This fatal cable car incident in Lisbon that cost 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was caused by a defective line, per the official investigation issued on Monday.

The probe has advised that Lisbon's equivalent transports stay non-operational until their operational integrity can be fully verified.

Particulars of the Deadly Incident

This accident occurred when the historic Glória funicular went off track and smashed into a edifice, shocking the metropolis and highlighting serious fears about the safety of ageing landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) stated that a wire linking two cars had come loose shortly before the incident on the third of September.

Early Results

The early report confirmed that the wire did not meet the mandatory requirements set by the city's transport operator.

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

The comprehensive analysis also advised that other inclined railways in the capital should remain non-operational until experts can confirm they have sufficient stopping mechanisms designed of halting the cars in the scenario of a line snap.

Fatalities and Harm

Among the sixteen fatalities, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising three British nationals, two Korean nationals, two Canadians, one citizen of France, one Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian.

The crash also injured about 20 people, including three Britons.

Among the Portuguese fatalities included 4 workers from the same social care institution, whose premises are situated at the summit of the sharp side road used by the inclined railway.

Operational Details

The Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, employing a system of counterweights to move its two compartments along its long route climbing and descending a precipitous incline.

As per the bureau, a regular inspection on the day of the accident detected no anomalies with the cable that subsequently failed.

The investigators also stated that the operator had engaged the vehicle's brakes, but they were unable to halt the car without the function of the balancing mechanism.

The entire incident transpired in merely under a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Next Steps

The investigative body is anticipated to publish a final analysis with safety guidelines within the next year, though an preliminary update may provide additional details on the progress of the probe.