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The tragic funicular crash in Portugal's capital that took sixteen victims in the beginning of September was caused by a faulty wire, according to the formal investigation issued on Monday.

This probe has recommended that the city's comparable vehicles be kept out of service until their operational integrity can be thoroughly verified.

Specifics of the Deadly Event

This crash took place when the historic Glória cable car derailed and collided into a structure, shocking the city and highlighting significant fears about the reliability of ageing visitor sites.

Portugal's transport safety authority (GPIAAF) noted that a wire connecting two cars had disconnected moments before the tragedy on September 3rd.

Initial Results

The early report stated that the wire failed to meet the required standards established by the local public transport company.

This line was not in compliance with the specifications mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

The detailed document additionally urged that the remaining inclined railways in the capital must remain suspended until authorities can confirm they have sufficient brakes capable of immobilising the cars in the scenario of a wire failure.

Victims and Casualties

Among the sixteen casualties, 11 were foreign nationals, featuring three UK individuals, two Korean nationals, two citizens of Canada, one Frenchwoman, one citizen of Switzerland, an American, and a Ukrainian.

This accident also injured approximately twenty individuals, among them three UK nationals.

Among the local casualties included 4 employees from the equivalent welfare organization, whose offices are positioned at the peak of the sheer alley used by the inclined railway.

Operational Context

The Glória funicular began operation in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of balancing weights to drive its two cars along its 870-foot track climbing and descending a sharp slope.

Based on authorities, a regular examination on the morning of the incident detected no issues with the line that subsequently snapped.

The experts also stated that the operator had activated the cable car's brakes, but they were incapable to prevent the carriage without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The whole crash unfolded in just 50 seconds, per the probe.

Next Steps

This agency is scheduled to publish a final analysis with operational recommendations within the next year, though an intermediary document may offer more updates on the progress of the investigation.