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The tragic funicular accident in Portugal's capital that took sixteen victims in early September was attributed to a defective cable, as stated by the formal inquiry published on Monday.

The probe has advised that the city's equivalent transports be kept non-operational until their security can be thoroughly verified.

Particulars of the Devastating Event

This accident took place when the 19th-century Glória cable car derailed and smashed into a structure, horrifying the metropolis and sparking grave fears about the reliability of older tourist attractions.

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

Initial Findings

This preliminary document confirmed that the wire did not meet the specified standards outlined by the urban transport operator.

The line failed to comply with the standards currently applicable to be employed for the Glória cable car.

The detailed report further urged that the remaining funiculars in Lisbon ought to stay out of service until authorities can verify they have adequate brakes capable of immobilising the vehicles in the case of a line snap.

Casualties and Injuries

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were international visitors, including three British nationals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadians, one French national, a citizen of Switzerland, an citizen of the United States, and one citizen of Ukraine.

This accident also injured about twenty persons, including 3 Britons.

The local casualties comprised 4 workers from the identical welfare organization, whose offices are located at the top of the sharp street serviced by the inclined railway.

Background Information

The Glória funicular began operation in 1885, employing a method of balancing weights to move its two cars along its 870-foot path ascending and descending a sharp incline.

As per authorities, a regular inspection on the morning of the accident detected nothing unusual with the cable that later broke.

This experts also noted that the operator had engaged the funicular's stopping mechanism, but they were unable to prevent the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

This entire event occurred in only less than a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Future Steps

This investigative body is anticipated to issue a definitive analysis with security suggestions within the next year, though an interim report may offer more details on the development of the investigation.