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This fatal inclined railway accident in Lisbon that claimed sixteen people in early September was caused by a damaged cable, according to the official investigation published on the start of the week.

The inquiry has urged that Portugal's capital's similar cable cars be kept out of service until their operational integrity can be thoroughly confirmed.

Particulars of the Deadly Accident

The collision happened when the historic Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a structure, horrifying the city and raising grave worries about the security of older landmarks.

The country's transport safety authority (the investigative body) noted that a cable linking two compartments had come loose just before the crash on September 3rd.

Initial Results

The early analysis stated that the line was not up to the required standards outlined by the local transit authority.

This cable failed to comply with the standards in force to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The 35-page analysis additionally recommended that other cable cars in the capital should be kept suspended until authorities can verify they have adequate brakes designed of immobilising the cabins in the case of a wire failure.

Victims and Injuries

Of the sixteen casualties, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, featuring three British nationals, 2 South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, a French national, a Swiss, one US national, and a citizen of Ukraine.

This crash also hurt around twenty people, including 3 UK nationals.

Among the national casualties comprised 4 employees from the identical welfare organization, whose premises are positioned at the peak of the steep side road serviced by the funicular.

Operational Details

The Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to move its two compartments along its 870-foot track ascending and descending a sharp slope.

As per authorities, a regular check on the date of the accident found nothing unusual with the cable that eventually snapped.

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

This entire event unfolded in just 50 seconds, per the investigation.

Upcoming Actions

The bureau is expected to issue a conclusive analysis with operational guidelines within the coming year, though an preliminary report may offer more information on the development of the investigation.