Lisbon tragedy: At least 15 fatalities reported following a derailment of the funicular
In the heart of Lisbon, a city known for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, a devastating incident occurred on Wednesday evening. The Lisbon funicular named Gloria derailed and smashed into a building, claiming at least 15 lives and injuring 18 others.
The Gloria funicular, a popular tourist attraction and a common image on souvenirs in Lisbon's gift shops, first entered into service in 1885 and was hooked up to electricity in 1915. The accident occurred at 6:15 pm local time on a steep stretch of tracks near Liberty Avenue.
Pedro Bogas, head of Lisbon's public transport operator Carris, stated that everything was scrupulously respected regarding maintenance of the funiculars. General maintenance was last conducted on the funiculars in 2022, and intermediate maintenance was completed in 2024. However, the company that conducted maintenance for 14 years on the funicular railway in Lisbon, whose contract for daily inspections expired at the end of August, is under investigation.
A witness reported that the funicular hit a building at full speed and had no brakes. Images shared on social media show the funicular completely smashed against a wall. A large number of firefighters, police, and other emergency personnel remained at the scene of the accident into the night.
The tragedy has brought grief to families and dismay to the country, according to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen also expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
Authorities have declared Thursday a day of national mourning. An investigation into the circumstances of the accident has been opened by Lisbon prosecutors. The victims include foreigners, but their identities are not immediately available.
Antonio Javier, a 44-year-old Spanish tourist, was relieved to have skipped taking the funicular due to a long queue. Another funicular was stopped a few metres away as tourists and onlookers watched, stunned.
The Lisbon public transport operator claims to have complied with all maintenance protocols. However, the investigation will aim to uncover the exact cause of this tragic incident.
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