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The fatal inclined railway crash in Lisbon that claimed 16 lives in the beginning of September was caused by a defective line, according to the formal probe released on the start of the week.

This investigation has urged that the city's comparable transports be kept halted until their security can be fully verified.

Specifics of the Devastating Accident

This crash took place when the old Glória cable car went off track and crashed into a structure, shocking the city and highlighting grave concerns about the security of older visitor sites.

The nation's transport safety authority (the investigative body) noted that a cable connecting two compartments had disconnected just before the tragedy on 3 September.

Preliminary Conclusions

This initial document confirmed that the line failed to meet the specified requirements set by the urban transit authority.

The cable did not comply with the requirements currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória cable car.

This 35-page document additionally recommended that all inclined railways in the capital should be kept suspended until experts can confirm they have adequate stopping mechanisms capable of stopping the vehicles in the scenario of a cable break.

Victims and Harm

Of the 16 fatalities, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, featuring 3 UK individuals, two South Koreans, two Canadians, a citizen of France, a citizen of Switzerland, one US national, and one citizen of Ukraine.

The accident also hurt approximately 20 individuals, including three UK nationals.

The Portuguese casualties included four workers from the same social care institution, whose workplace are positioned at the peak of the steep street used by the cable car.

Operational Details

This Glória funicular first opened in the late 19th century, utilizing a mechanism of balancing weights to drive its two compartments along its 265-metre path ascending and descending a steep hill.

Based on authorities, a regular examination on the date of the crash detected nothing unusual with the cable that subsequently snapped.

The experts also noted that the operator had applied the vehicle's brakes, but they were unable to prevent the carriage without the function of the counterweight system.

The complete event unfolded in just 50 seconds, per the inquiry.

Future Actions

The bureau is scheduled to publish a definitive report with security suggestions within the following twelve months, though an preliminary document may provide more information on the development of the inquiry.