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This tragic inclined railway incident in Lisbon that claimed 16 victims in the beginning of September was attributed to a defective wire, according to the authoritative inquiry published on the start of the week.

The probe has advised that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars stay halted until their safety can be fully assured.

Details of the Deadly Event

This collision took place when the historic Elevador da Glória went off track and smashed into a structure, horrifying the capital and highlighting significant concerns about the reliability of ageing landmarks.

The nation's transport safety authority (the bureau) noted that a line linking two cars had disconnected moments before the incident on the third of September.

Preliminary Findings

The early document indicated that the cable failed to meet the specified specifications set by the city's transport operator.

The line did not comply with the standards currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

The comprehensive document also recommended that the remaining funiculars in the capital must stay non-operational until inspectors can verify they have effective brakes designed of immobilising the cabins in the event of a cable break.

Victims and Injuries

Of the sixteen casualties, eleven were foreign nationals, comprising 3 UK nationals, two South Koreans, 2 Canadians, one French national, one Swiss national, an American, and a Ukrainian.

This incident also hurt around twenty people, among them 3 Britons.

The national casualties featured four employees from the same welfare organization, whose offices are located at the summit of the sheer alley used by the cable car.

Background Details

This Glória funicular first opened in the late 19th century, utilizing a system of counterweights to move its two compartments along its 265-metre track ascending and descending a steep hill.

Based on investigators, a regular examination on the morning of the accident found no issues with the wire that subsequently snapped.

This probers also reported that the driver had applied the funicular's brakes, but they were incapable to stop the car without the support of the balancing mechanism.

The complete crash occurred in only under a minute, per the inquiry.

Next Measures

This bureau is anticipated to publish a conclusive report with operational guidelines within the following twelve months, though an interim update may deliver additional details on the status of the probe.