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This fatal inclined railway crash in Lisbon that cost sixteen people in the start of the ninth month was triggered by a defective line, according to the official inquiry released on Monday.

This inquiry has urged that the city's comparable vehicles stay out of service until their security can be completely confirmed.

Particulars of the Devastating Accident

The crash occurred when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória left the rails and crashed into a building, stunning the capital and raising grave fears about the safety of ageing landmarks.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the bureau) reported that a line linking two cars had disconnected just before the incident on 3 September.

Preliminary Results

This early document stated that the line was not up to the mandatory specifications established by the urban transit authority.

The cable was not in compliance with the specifications currently applicable to be utilized for the Glória funicular.

This comprehensive analysis also urged that other cable cars in Lisbon should stay suspended until authorities can ensure they have sufficient braking systems designed of stopping the vehicles in the scenario of a line snap.

Victims and Casualties

Among the 16 casualties, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including 3 UK individuals, two Korean nationals, two citizens of Canada, a Frenchwoman, one Swiss national, an US national, and a Ukrainian.

The accident also injured about 20 people, comprising three British citizens.

The national fatalities featured 4 workers from the identical social care institution, whose offices are located at the peak of the steep side road used by the cable car.

Historical Information

The Glória funicular began operation in 1885, employing a mechanism of counterweights to propel its two wagons along its 265-metre path ascending and descending a sharp incline.

Based on investigators, a regular inspection on the date of the incident found nothing unusual with the line that later failed.

This investigators also stated that the operator had engaged the cable car's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to halt the car without the function of the weight compensation system.

This entire incident occurred in only less than a minute, as stated by the investigation.

Next Measures

This agency is anticipated to release a definitive report with operational recommendations within the following twelve months, though an preliminary document may provide additional details on the development of the inquiry.