At least 15 died and 18 others were injured when Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular derailed and crashed on Wednesday evening, said emergency officials.
Portugal’s emergency health services reported that five of the injured had serious injuries, while 13 others, including a child, had light injuries. A number of passengers were trapped at first but have since been rescued.
A Tragic Evening in the Capital
The crash occurred on Avenida da Liberdade at about 6:05 local time. Video on social media depicted the yellow funicular overturned and nearly demolished, with smoke in the air and individuals fleeing from the scene.
Eyewitnesses called the vehicle “out of control” and “brakeless.” One of the passengers reported to Portuguese media that the carriage “came crashing into a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box.
Lisbon’s mayor Carlos Moedas described the city as “in mourning” and referred to it as “a tragic moment for the capital.” Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both sent their condolences to the victims’ families.
Foreign Tourists Among the Victims
Authorities reported that some of the victims were foreign tourists, but their nationalities haven’t yet been identified. With Lisbon packed during the close of summer vacation season, officials are worried that tourists are among the seriously injured.
The crash’s cause is still pending investigation, although local paper Observador said a cable was possibly detached and led the tram to lose control on the slope. The firm operating the funicular, Carris, stated all maintenance regulations had been observed and pledged a full investigation.
History of the Gloria Funicular
The Gloria funicular has been operating since 1885 and is one of the most emblematic sights of Lisbon. Its two yellow cars run between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto neighborhood, a distance of around 275 meters, in three minutes.
Propelled by an electric cable system, the vehicles typically travel safely up and down the steep cobblestone streets. The funicular is an integral component of community life and also attracts huge numbers of tourists annually.
FAQs
Q1: How many fatalities occurred in the accident?
At least 15 individuals have lost their lives, with another 18 injured.
Q2: Were foreigners involved?
Yes, officials confirmed that foreigners were among those killed, but nationalities are not yet established.
Q3: Why did the train derail?
The precise reason is not known. It is believed by reports that a loose cable could have caused the funicular to lose control.
Q4: What is the Gloria funicular?
A historic cable railway in Lisbon, dating from 1885, which runs from the city center up to Bairro Alto.
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