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The tragic funicular crash in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen victims in the start of the ninth month was caused by a defective line, according to the authoritative investigation issued on the start of the week.

This inquiry has recommended that the city's similar cable cars be kept out of service until their safety can be fully assured.

Particulars of the Tragic Incident

This accident happened when the 19th-century Glória cable car left the rails and collided into a building, horrifying the city and raising grave concerns about the reliability of historic tourist attractions.

The country's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) noted that a line connecting two cars had come loose shortly before the tragedy on 3 September.

Initial Results

This preliminary document indicated that the wire was not up to the mandatory specifications set by the city's public transport company.

The line failed to comply with the requirements currently applicable to be used for the Glória funicular.

The 35-page report also recommended that the remaining inclined railways in Lisbon should be kept suspended until inspectors can verify they have effective brakes designed of stopping the cabins in the event of a wire failure.

Casualties and Injuries

Of the sixteen casualties, 11 were foreign nationals, featuring three UK nationals, two citizens of South Korea, two Canadians, a French national, one citizen of Switzerland, one citizen of the United States, and one citizen of Ukraine.

The accident also harmed around 20 people, comprising 3 UK nationals.

The national victims featured 4 staff members from the same social care institution, whose offices are positioned at the peak of the sharp street used by the inclined railway.

Background Information

This Glória funicular was inaugurated in 1885, utilizing a mechanism of balancing weights to move its two cars along its long track ascending and descending a steep hill.

Based on the bureau, a routine check on the date of the accident detected nothing unusual with the wire that eventually failed.

This experts also noted that the driver had activated the funicular's braking system, but they were unable to prevent the carriage without the function of the counterweight system.

The complete crash unfolded in only under a minute, per the investigation.

Upcoming Measures

This investigative body is anticipated to publish a conclusive document with safety guidelines within the coming year, though an intermediary document may provide further updates on the status of the probe.