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The deadly cable car crash in Portugal's capital that took 16 lives in early September was triggered by a damaged cable, per the authoritative investigation published on Monday.

This investigation has advised that Portugal's capital's equivalent vehicles remain out of service until their operational integrity can be completely assured.

Specifics of the Tragic Event

The collision took place when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória derailed and collided into a edifice, horrifying the capital and raising significant worries about the reliability of older visitor sites.

The nation's air and rail accident investigations bureau (the investigative body) stated that a wire linking two compartments had detached moments before the incident on 3 September.

Initial Results

This preliminary analysis indicated that the wire failed to meet the mandatory standards established by the city's public transport company.

The line failed to comply with the specifications mandated to be employed for the Glória cable car.

The comprehensive document also recommended that all inclined railways in the capital should stay non-operational until inspectors can ensure they have sufficient brakes able of immobilising the cabins in the event of a line snap.

Victims and Injuries

Of the 16 casualties, 11 were foreign nationals, including three UK individuals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadians, a citizen of France, one citizen of Switzerland, one US national, and a citizen of Ukraine.

The accident also injured around twenty persons, comprising 3 UK nationals.

The national fatalities comprised four employees from the identical care facility, whose workplace are situated at the peak of the sheer street accessed by the cable car.

Background Details

This Glória funicular first opened in the late 19th century, using a system of balancing weights to drive its 2 wagons along its 870-foot path ascending and descending a sharp incline.

As per investigators, a routine check on the morning of the crash found nothing unusual with the cable that eventually failed.

The investigators also reported that the driver had applied the cable car's brakes, but they were powerless to prevent the carriage without the support of the balancing mechanism.

This whole incident occurred in merely less than a minute, per the investigation.

Future Measures

This agency is anticipated to publish a final analysis with operational suggestions within the following twelve months, though an interim document may provide more information on the status of the probe.