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This deadly funicular incident in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen victims in early September was attributed to a damaged wire, according to the authoritative probe released on the start of the week.

This investigation has urged that the city's similar transports remain out of service until their safety can be fully verified.

Details of the Tragic Incident

This collision happened when the 19th-century Glória cable car went off track and collided into a edifice, horrifying the city and sparking significant concerns about the safety of ageing landmarks.

The country's transport safety authority (the investigative body) noted that a cable joining two cars had disconnected just before the crash on the third of September.

Initial Findings

This early analysis confirmed that the line did not meet the required standards established by the local transport operator.

The line failed to comply with the standards currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The comprehensive report also recommended that other inclined railways in Lisbon should remain suspended until experts can confirm they have sufficient braking systems capable of halting the cars in the event of a wire failure.

Victims and Injuries

Of the sixteen victims, eleven were non-Portuguese citizens, comprising three UK nationals, 2 citizens of South Korea, 2 citizens of Canada, one French national, a citizen of Switzerland, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian.

This crash also hurt about 20 persons, among them three Britons.

Among the Portuguese fatalities comprised 4 employees from the same welfare organization, whose premises are situated at the summit of the steep alley serviced by the funicular.

Background Details

This Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, employing a system of balancing weights to propel its two wagons along its 265-metre track climbing and descending a sharp hill.

Based on authorities, a routine examination on the morning of the crash identified no anomalies with the wire that later broke.

The experts also reported that the operator had engaged the vehicle's braking system, but they were incapable to prevent the carriage without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

This whole event occurred in just 50 seconds, as stated by the probe.

Next Measures

The investigative body is scheduled to issue a conclusive analysis with operational suggestions within the following twelve months, though an interim update may provide additional details on the development of the inquiry.