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This tragic funicular incident in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 people in the beginning of September was attributed to a faulty line, according to the authoritative probe published on Monday.

This inquiry has urged that Lisbon's equivalent cable cars be kept halted until their operational integrity can be completely assured.

Particulars of the Devastating Event

The accident happened when the old Elevador da Glória left the rails and smashed into a structure, shocking the city and highlighting grave concerns about the security of historic visitor sites.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) reported that a cable connecting two compartments had come loose shortly before the crash on September 3rd.

Initial Conclusions

The preliminary document confirmed that the wire was not up to the mandatory specifications established by the local public transport company.

The cable was not in compliance with the requirements mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This detailed report also advised that the remaining inclined railways in Lisbon should remain non-operational until inspectors can ensure they have sufficient braking systems able of immobilising the vehicles in the event of a cable break.

Fatalities and Casualties

Among the sixteen fatalities, 11 were international visitors, featuring 3 UK nationals, two South Koreans, two Canadians, a French national, one Swiss, one American, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This incident also harmed around 20 persons, comprising three British citizens.

Among the local fatalities included four employees from the identical care facility, whose offices are situated at the top of the steep alley used by the inclined railway.

Operational Details

The Glória was inaugurated in 1885, utilizing a mechanism of weight compensation to move its two cars along its 265-metre track climbing and descending a precipitous hill.

Based on investigators, a routine inspection on the date of the crash detected nothing unusual with the wire that subsequently failed.

This probers also stated that the operator had engaged the funicular's brakes, but they were incapable to stop the vehicle without the function of the balancing mechanism.

The complete incident transpired in only 50 seconds, per the investigation.

Upcoming Steps

This agency is expected to publish a conclusive analysis with operational suggestions within the next year, though an interim document may deliver more updates on the status of the probe.