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This tragic funicular crash in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 lives in early September was caused by a faulty wire, according to the authoritative probe published on the start of the week.

This probe has urged that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars stay non-operational until their operational integrity can be completely confirmed.

Details of the Deadly Incident

The collision occurred when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória derailed and crashed into a building, horrifying the city and highlighting significant worries about the safety of older landmarks.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) noted that a line connecting two cars had detached moments before the tragedy on 3 September.

Early Results

This early document confirmed that the line was not up to the mandatory requirements established by the urban transit authority.

The line was not in compliance with the requirements currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive analysis also advised that all inclined railways in Lisbon ought to be kept non-operational until authorities can confirm they have adequate stopping mechanisms able of stopping the vehicles in the event of a wire failure.

Victims and Casualties

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising three British citizens, 2 South Koreans, 2 citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, a Swiss, an American, and one Ukrainian national.

This accident also injured approximately 20 people, comprising three UK nationals.

Among the Portuguese victims featured four employees from the equivalent care facility, whose workplace are located at the peak of the steep side road accessed by the cable car.

Historical Details

The Glória funicular was inaugurated in the late 19th century, utilizing a system of weight compensation to drive its two cars along its 265-metre path ascending and descending a sharp slope.

As per authorities, a routine examination on the date of the crash identified nothing unusual with the cable that later broke.

The experts also stated that the driver had applied the funicular's brakes, but they were unable to prevent the car without the function of the balancing mechanism.

The entire crash transpired in merely 50 seconds, as stated by the probe.

Next Steps

The agency is expected to release a conclusive analysis with security suggestions within the next year, though an intermediary document may offer more details on the development of the probe.