A fatal funicular crash in Lisbon’s historic Elevador da Glória has left 15 dead and 18 injured. An investigation is underway into the cause of the tragedy that has left Portugal in national mourning.
LISBON, Portugal — A tragic accident on Wednesday evening saw Lisbon’s iconic Elevador da Glória funicular derail and crash, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuring 18 others.
The incident, which occurred during the evening rush hour, has been described by city officials as one of the worst tragedies in recent memory.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the funicular car, a popular tourist attraction, careened down the steep track and smashed into a building.
The impact left the vehicle’s metal frame crumpled, and emergency services worked for hours to rescue victims trapped in the wreckage.
The Aftermath: Investigation and Grief
The cause of the derailment is not yet officially confirmed, although early reports from the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment suggest a loose cable may have been to blame.
The transport company that operates the funicular, Carris, stated that all maintenance protocols had been followed, and an official investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure.
The crash has cast a pall over the city, with Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas declaring three days of municipal mourning.
Portugal’s government has also announced a day of national mourning. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and other international leaders have expressed their condolences to the victims and their families. Foreign nationals are among the casualties, though their identities have not been released.
The Elevador da Glória, which opened in 1885, is one of three historic funiculars in the capital, serving as both a crucial link for residents and a major draw for tourists.
Following the tragedy, Lisbon’s City Council suspended operations of the other funicular lines to conduct urgent inspections.
This video from BBC News provides a report on the tragic accident.
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