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The fatal funicular accident in Portugal's capital that took sixteen people in the start of the ninth month was caused by a damaged wire, as stated by the formal inquiry released on Monday.

The probe has advised that Portugal's capital's equivalent cable cars be kept out of service until their operational integrity can be thoroughly confirmed.

Details of the Devastating Accident

The accident happened when the old Elevador da Glória derailed and crashed into a edifice, shocking the capital and sparking serious worries about the reliability of older visitor sites.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) reported that a line joining two cabins had disconnected shortly before the crash on the third of September.

Early Results

The early analysis indicated that the wire did not meet the mandatory standards established by the urban public transport company.

This wire did not comply with the standards currently applicable to be employed for the Glória tram.

The 35-page analysis further advised that the remaining funiculars in the city ought to stay out of service until inspectors can verify they have adequate brakes able of stopping the vehicles in the scenario of a line snap.

Victims and Casualties

Among the 16 fatalities, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising 3 UK nationals, two Korean nationals, two Canadian nationals, one Frenchwoman, a Swiss national, one citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian.

The accident also hurt about twenty people, including 3 British citizens.

Among the national fatalities featured 4 staff members from the equivalent social care institution, whose offices are positioned at the peak of the steep alley accessed by the funicular.

Operational Details

This Glória began operation in the late 19th century, employing a mechanism of weight compensation to move its two cars along its long path ascending and descending a steep slope.

Based on the bureau, a regular check on the date of the crash detected no issues with the cable that subsequently snapped.

This investigators also noted that the driver had engaged the cable car's brakes, but they were powerless to prevent the car without the function of the balancing mechanism.

The complete crash transpired in just 50 seconds, as stated by the investigation.

Future Actions

The agency is anticipated to issue a definitive document with safety suggestions within the coming year, though an interim document may offer additional updates on the status of the probe.