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The fatal funicular incident in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 victims in the start of the ninth month was caused by a defective wire, as stated by the formal investigation released on Monday.

This inquiry has recommended that Portugal's capital's similar transports stay non-operational until their safety can be completely assured.

Details of the Deadly Incident

This accident took place when the 19th-century Glória funicular went off track and smashed into a structure, horrifying the city and highlighting serious worries about the safety of older landmarks.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (GPIAAF) reported that a wire connecting two cabins had detached moments before the crash on 3 September.

Initial Conclusions

This early report confirmed that the wire failed to meet the mandatory requirements outlined by the local transit authority.

This wire failed to comply with the specifications currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória funicular.

This detailed report also advised that other funiculars in the city should be kept non-operational until authorities can ensure they have sufficient braking systems capable of stopping the cabins in the event of a wire failure.

Casualties and Harm

Among the sixteen casualties, eleven were international visitors, including three UK citizens, 2 Korean nationals, two citizens of Canada, a citizen of France, a Swiss national, one citizen of the United States, and a citizen of Ukraine.

This incident also harmed approximately twenty people, among them three Britons.

The national casualties comprised four employees from the identical social care institution, whose workplace are located at the summit of the sheer side road used by the inclined railway.

Operational Details

This Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, employing a method of weight compensation to move its two wagons along its 870-foot route ascending and descending a sharp incline.

According to authorities, a standard examination on the date of the crash identified nothing unusual with the wire that subsequently snapped.

The experts also noted that the conductor had applied the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were unable to stop the vehicle without the assistance of the counterweight system.

This entire crash transpired in just less than a minute, according to the investigation.

Next Measures

This bureau is expected to issue a conclusive document with safety recommendations within the next year, though an interim report may deliver more updates on the status of the inquiry.