Tragic tram accident in Lisbon claims lives of three British citizens, while Portugal grapples with grief and seeks answers regarding the incident
In the heart of Lisbon, a tragic accident occurred on a bustling evening, as a funicular tram plunged off its tracks, crashing into a hotel. The incident, which took place during rush hour, left at least 16 people dead and 22 injured, according to reports.
The Glória line's funicular began its usual journey through Lisbon around 6pm local time, carrying at least 38 people. Witnesses reported seeing the cable hurtling at full speed down the historic route. It is believed that a cable holding the lower streetcar snapped, causing a "metallic thud" on the line. The disaster was reportedly caused by a cable coming loose on one of the two cars.
The wreckage of the tram crashed into a hotel, causing significant damage. Civil protection officials deployed 62 rescue workers and 22 vehicles for the two-hour rescue and recovery mission. Rescue teams had to use specialized cutting equipment to get inside the mangled carriage.
The victims are from five different countries: Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Britain, Ukraine, America, France, and one unidentified nationality. Hours after the crash, Pedro Trinidade, Alda Matias, Ana Lopes, and Sandra Coelho were also confirmed as victims. The three British victims are an 82-year-old man, a 44-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman. The first victim of the crash was named as brakeman André Marques.
The funicular's two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable, with traction provided by electric motors on the cars that counterbalance each other. The initial error caused the second carriage to lose control. The plunging streetcar reached a slight curve in the road, crashed into the curb, and smashed into buildings alongside the street.
Investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. The investigation of the Lisbon tram accident was conducted by the Portuguese National Authority for Road Safety (Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária, ANSR). Bruno Pereira, a witness, reported the tram below not stopping exactly where it was supposed to and then jumping off the track.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic incident. This is a developing story and more information will be released as it becomes available.
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