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The tragic funicular incident in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen people in the beginning of September was caused by a faulty line, as stated by the formal inquiry issued on Monday.

This investigation has advised that the city's similar vehicles be kept out of service until their security can be thoroughly assured.

Details of the Deadly Event

The crash occurred when the old Glória cable car went off track and crashed into a structure, shocking the city and raising grave concerns about the safety of ageing visitor sites.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (GPIAAF) noted that a cable joining two cabins had detached just before the crash on the third of September.

Preliminary Conclusions

This preliminary report stated that the cable was not up to the mandatory standards established by the city's public transport company.

This wire failed to comply with the standards currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive document further recommended that all funiculars in the city should stay out of service until authorities can ensure they have effective brakes capable of stopping the vehicles in the scenario of a cable break.

Fatalities and Harm

Among the 16 fatalities, 11 were international visitors, comprising 3 British citizens, 2 Korean nationals, 2 Canadians, a citizen of France, one Swiss, one American, and a Ukrainian.

The crash also injured about twenty individuals, among them three British citizens.

Among the Portuguese victims featured four employees from the equivalent social care institution, whose premises are located at the summit of the sheer side road serviced by the cable car.

Background Information

The Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, using a method of weight compensation to move its two wagons along its 870-foot path climbing and descending a precipitous incline.

Based on investigators, a standard inspection on the day of the crash identified nothing unusual with the cable that eventually snapped.

This investigators also reported that the conductor had engaged the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were unable to stop the car without the function of the weight compensation system.

This complete incident transpired in only 50 seconds, according to the probe.

Next Steps

This agency is scheduled to publish a final analysis with operational guidelines within the coming year, though an intermediary report may provide additional information on the development of the investigation.