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The fatal inclined railway accident in Lisbon that claimed 16 lives in the beginning of September was triggered by a damaged wire, per the official investigation published on Monday.

This inquiry has recommended that the city's comparable cable cars remain non-operational until their operational integrity can be thoroughly assured.

Details of the Deadly Event

This crash happened when the historic Glória funicular went off track and smashed into a edifice, shocking the capital and raising grave worries about the reliability of historic landmarks.

The nation's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) stated that a cable joining two cabins had come loose shortly before the tragedy on 3 September.

Initial Findings

This initial analysis confirmed that the line did not meet the mandatory requirements established by the urban transport operator.

This cable failed to comply with the standards mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive report also advised that other inclined railways in the city ought to remain out of service until inspectors can verify they have sufficient brakes designed of halting the vehicles in the scenario of a wire failure.

Victims and Casualties

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were foreign nationals, including 3 British citizens, two South Koreans, two citizens of Canada, one French national, one Swiss, an American, and a Ukrainian national.

This accident also hurt approximately 20 individuals, including three British citizens.

The Portuguese casualties comprised 4 workers from the identical social care institution, whose premises are located at the peak of the sheer alley serviced by the funicular.

Historical Context

The Glória began operation in 1885, utilizing a system of counterweights to propel its 2 cars along its 870-foot route ascending and descending a steep incline.

Based on authorities, a standard examination on the morning of the accident found nothing unusual with the cable that eventually failed.

The experts also noted that the driver had applied the cable car's brakes, but they were powerless to prevent the vehicle without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The complete incident transpired in just less than a minute, per the probe.

Next Steps

This agency is expected to release a final report with operational recommendations within the next year, though an interim update may offer additional information on the status of the probe.