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This deadly funicular crash in Lisbon that claimed 16 people in the start of the ninth month was triggered by a defective wire, as stated by the formal inquiry published on Monday.

The inquiry has recommended that Portugal's capital's similar vehicles remain non-operational until their operational integrity can be fully confirmed.

Specifics of the Deadly Event

The crash took place when the old Glória funicular left the rails and crashed into a structure, shocking the metropolis and highlighting serious fears about the reliability of older landmarks.

Portugal's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) noted that a line linking two compartments had disconnected moments before the crash on September 3rd.

Early Results

The early document stated that the wire failed to meet the mandatory standards established by the urban public transport company.

This cable was not in compliance with the requirements currently applicable to be used for the Glória tram.

The detailed report also advised that all cable cars in the capital should be kept out of service until experts can ensure they have effective stopping mechanisms capable of immobilising the vehicles in the scenario of a wire failure.

Fatalities and Injuries

Of the sixteen fatalities, eleven were foreign nationals, comprising 3 UK nationals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadians, one French national, one Swiss, an American, and a Ukrainian.

This accident also injured about twenty persons, among them three UK nationals.

The local casualties comprised four employees from the equivalent care facility, whose workplace are situated at the peak of the sharp street serviced by the funicular.

Operational Context

This Glória funicular first opened in 1885, utilizing a system of balancing weights to propel its 2 cars along its 265-metre track ascending and descending a precipitous incline.

As per authorities, a standard examination on the date of the accident detected no anomalies with the line that later failed.

The probers also stated that the operator had engaged the vehicle's braking system, but they were unable to stop the car without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The complete event transpired in merely 50 seconds, per the inquiry.

Next Measures

The agency is anticipated to release a definitive analysis with safety recommendations within the following twelve months, though an interim document may offer additional information on the status of the inquiry.