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The fatal inclined railway accident in Portugal's capital that claimed 16 lives in early September was attributed to a damaged line, according to the formal probe issued on Monday.

This investigation has advised that Lisbon's similar cable cars be kept halted until their safety can be thoroughly verified.

Details of the Devastating Event

The collision occurred when the 19th-century Glória funicular left the rails and collided into a edifice, shocking the capital and raising significant concerns about the safety of ageing tourist attractions.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) reported that a line joining two compartments had come loose moments before the crash on 3 September.

Preliminary Results

The early report stated that the wire did not meet the required standards established by the local public transport company.

The wire was not in compliance with the requirements in force to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This 35-page report further urged that all cable cars in Lisbon ought to be kept out of service until authorities can confirm they have adequate stopping mechanisms capable of halting the cabins in the case of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 16 fatalities, 11 were non-Portuguese citizens, including three UK nationals, two citizens of South Korea, 2 Canadian nationals, one French national, one citizen of Switzerland, an US national, and a citizen of Ukraine.

This accident also harmed around twenty people, including three Britons.

Among the Portuguese fatalities comprised four employees from the same social care institution, whose premises are located at the peak of the steep side road accessed by the inclined railway.

Background Details

This Glória first opened in 1885, utilizing a method of counterweights to drive its two compartments along its 870-foot route climbing and descending a steep hill.

Based on authorities, a routine examination on the day of the incident found no issues with the cable that eventually broke.

The probers also reported that the operator had applied the vehicle's brakes, but they were unable to prevent the car without the support of the counterweight system.

The whole incident unfolded in only under a minute, as stated by the investigation.

Next Steps

This bureau is scheduled to release a final document with operational guidelines within the next year, though an preliminary update may offer further updates on the status of the inquiry.