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This tragic funicular crash in Portugal's capital that took 16 lives in early September was attributed to a faulty line, according to the formal investigation issued on Monday.

The inquiry has urged that the city's similar transports be kept out of service until their safety can be thoroughly assured.

Specifics of the Devastating Accident

The collision took place when the historic Glória funicular derailed and collided into a edifice, horrifying the metropolis and sparking significant fears about the safety of historic visitor sites.

The nation's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) reported that a line joining two cars had disconnected shortly before the incident on 3 September.

Preliminary Conclusions

The initial analysis stated that the wire failed to meet the mandatory requirements set by the urban public transport company.

This cable did not comply with the standards in force to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

The detailed report further recommended that the remaining inclined railways in Lisbon ought to stay non-operational until authorities can ensure they have sufficient stopping mechanisms capable of immobilising the cars in the scenario of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Of the sixteen fatalities, eleven were international visitors, featuring three British citizens, 2 citizens of South Korea, two Canadians, a French national, one citizen of Switzerland, an American, and one Ukrainian national.

This accident also hurt about twenty persons, comprising 3 Britons.

Among the national victims comprised 4 employees from the identical welfare organization, whose premises are positioned at the peak of the steep alley used by the inclined railway.

Background Information

This Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a method of balancing weights to propel its 2 cars along its 265-metre path climbing and descending a precipitous slope.

As per the bureau, a routine inspection on the day of the incident identified no issues with the wire that eventually failed.

This investigators also reported that the conductor had activated the vehicle's brakes, but they were incapable to halt the vehicle without the function of the balancing mechanism.

The entire crash occurred in merely less than a minute, as stated by the investigation.

Next Measures

This agency is expected to issue a final report with operational guidelines within the following twelve months, though an interim document may provide additional updates on the status of the investigation.