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The tragic funicular accident in Lisbon that took sixteen lives in the start of the ninth month was caused by a damaged line, as stated by the official inquiry issued on the start of the week.

This inquiry has advised that the city's similar transports stay halted until their security can be thoroughly confirmed.

Details of the Deadly Incident

This accident took place when the 19th-century Glória funicular left the rails and crashed into a edifice, shocking the metropolis and highlighting grave fears about the reliability of older landmarks.

The country's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) reported that a wire linking two compartments had detached just before the crash on 3 September.

Initial Results

This preliminary report confirmed that the line did not meet the required requirements established by the urban transport operator.

The cable was not in compliance with the specifications mandated to be employed for the Glória tram.

This detailed document further urged that all inclined railways in the city should remain suspended until inspectors can verify they have effective braking systems capable of stopping the cars in the event of a wire failure.

Victims and Harm

Of the sixteen victims, 11 were foreign nationals, comprising 3 British citizens, 2 Korean nationals, 2 citizens of Canada, one French national, a Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and one Ukrainian national.

This accident also harmed approximately twenty persons, among them 3 British citizens.

The national fatalities included 4 employees from the identical welfare organization, whose offices are situated at the peak of the steep alley serviced by the funicular.

Historical Information

The Elevador da Glória first opened in 1885, using a mechanism of counterweights to move its 2 compartments along its 265-metre route ascending and descending a sharp slope.

As per authorities, a routine inspection on the day of the accident detected nothing unusual with the cable that eventually broke.

This experts also stated that the operator had applied the funicular's braking system, but they were powerless to halt the car without the support of the balancing mechanism.

The entire crash occurred in just under a minute, as stated by the inquiry.

Next Steps

This investigative body is expected to issue a conclusive document with security suggestions within the next year, though an interim update may provide more information on the status of the investigation.