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The deadly inclined railway accident in Portugal's capital that cost 16 victims in early September was triggered by a faulty wire, according to the official probe published on the start of the week.

The inquiry has recommended that Lisbon's comparable transports be kept non-operational until their safety can be fully assured.

Particulars of the Devastating Accident

The crash took place when the old Glória cable car went off track and collided into a structure, stunning the capital and sparking serious concerns about the safety of older landmarks.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) noted that a cable linking two cars had disconnected just before the tragedy on the third of September.

Early Conclusions

The early document stated that the wire was not up to the mandatory specifications set by the local public transport company.

This wire was not in compliance with the standards in force to be employed for the Glória cable car.

This comprehensive document also recommended that all cable cars in Lisbon should stay non-operational until authorities can ensure they have adequate brakes able of halting the cabins in the case of a cable break.

Fatalities and Injuries

Among the sixteen victims, 11 were international visitors, featuring three British individuals, 2 citizens of South Korea, two citizens of Canada, one citizen of France, one Swiss, an US national, and one Ukrainian.

The crash also harmed approximately 20 individuals, including three British citizens.

Among the Portuguese fatalities comprised 4 workers from the equivalent care facility, whose premises are located at the peak of the sheer side road serviced by the inclined railway.

Operational Context

The Glória funicular began operation in the late 19th century, using a method of counterweights to move its 2 compartments along its 870-foot track up and down a steep hill.

According to authorities, a standard check on the date of the incident found no issues with the wire that subsequently failed.

This investigators also noted that the operator had applied the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to prevent the carriage without the function of the weight compensation system.

The complete incident occurred in just less than a minute, as stated by the investigation.

Next Measures

This agency is expected to issue a definitive analysis with security guidelines within the next year, though an intermediary report may provide more updates on the status of the inquiry.