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This deadly funicular crash in Portugal's capital that claimed sixteen victims in the beginning of September was attributed to a faulty cable, as stated by the authoritative inquiry issued on the start of the week.

This investigation has urged that the city's similar cable cars stay non-operational until their operational integrity can be fully confirmed.

Details of the Tragic Accident

The accident took place when the historic Glória funicular went off track and crashed into a building, stunning the city and sparking serious worries about the security of historic visitor sites.

The nation's accident investigation agency (the investigative body) stated that a wire joining two compartments had come loose moments before the incident on 3 September.

Early Results

The preliminary report indicated that the cable failed to meet the mandatory requirements outlined by the city's transit authority.

This line was not in compliance with the specifications mandated to be utilized for the Glória tram.

This comprehensive document further advised that other inclined railways in the city should stay non-operational until experts can confirm they have effective brakes designed of immobilising the vehicles in the event of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the 16 victims, 11 were foreign nationals, featuring three UK citizens, two citizens of South Korea, two Canadian nationals, one citizen of France, a citizen of Switzerland, one American, and one Ukrainian.

This incident also harmed approximately twenty individuals, comprising three Britons.

The Portuguese victims included 4 workers from the equivalent welfare organization, whose offices are situated at the summit of the sharp alley used by the cable car.

Background Information

This Elevador da Glória was inaugurated in the late 19th century, employing a mechanism of weight compensation to propel its two cars along its long path ascending and descending a precipitous incline.

According to investigators, a regular check on the date of the incident detected no anomalies with the line that subsequently broke.

This investigators also noted that the operator had activated the cable car's braking system, but they were powerless to halt the vehicle without the assistance of the weight compensation system.

The complete incident transpired in merely under a minute, per the probe.

Next Steps

This investigative body is expected to issue a final report with safety suggestions within the following twelve months, though an interim update may deliver more information on the development of the inquiry.