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The fatal inclined railway crash in Lisbon that cost 16 lives in early September was caused by a damaged line, as stated by the official inquiry issued on the start of the week.

This investigation has advised that Lisbon's equivalent vehicles remain non-operational until their safety can be thoroughly verified.

Details of the Tragic Event

The crash happened when the old Glória cable car went off track and collided into a structure, horrifying the city and sparking serious fears about the security of ageing visitor sites.

Portugal's transport safety authority (the bureau) reported that a line joining two cars had come loose moments before the tragedy on 3 September.

Preliminary Results

The initial report confirmed that the cable did not meet the mandatory requirements established by the local transit authority.

The wire failed to comply with the standards mandated to be employed for the Glória funicular.

This 35-page report further recommended that other inclined railways in the capital ought to stay suspended until experts can verify they have adequate braking systems able of halting the cabins in the case of a line snap.

Victims and Casualties

Of the sixteen casualties, eleven were international visitors, featuring three UK nationals, two South Koreans, two Canadian nationals, one French national, one Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian national.

The crash also injured around twenty people, among them 3 Britons.

The local casualties comprised 4 workers from the same care facility, whose offices are located at the top of the sharp street used by the cable car.

Historical Information

The Glória funicular first opened in the late 19th century, using a method of balancing weights to drive its two cars along its long route ascending and descending a sharp incline.

Based on investigators, a routine examination on the morning of the crash identified no issues with the cable that eventually broke.

This probers also reported that the driver had engaged the vehicle's brakes, but they were unable to halt the carriage without the support of the counterweight system.

This complete event transpired in just under a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Future Measures

This bureau is expected to issue a definitive document with operational recommendations within the following twelve months, though an intermediary report may deliver additional updates on the progress of the investigation.