A carriage on one of Lisbon's most iconic tourist attractions, the Glória funicular railway, derailed and crashed on Wednesday. The popular tram-like form of transport is designed to travel up and down steep slopes.
Portuguese authorities have confirmed 16 people were killed, revising an earlier figure which put the death toll at 17.
It is not yet clear what caused the carriage to derail, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. Witness accounts describe a scene of chaos as smoke filled the air and emergency crews rushed to assist.
More than 60 rescue personnel and 22 vehicles were deployed to the scene, with reports indicating that a cable may have come loose, leading to the derailment. Eyewitnesses shared harrowing experiences of the crash as victims were trapped and attempted to escape.
Among those who lost their lives were citizens from several countries including Portugal, Britain, South Korea, Canada, the U.S., France, Ukraine, and Switzerland. Emergency services also reported a total of 23 injuries, with six individuals requiring intensive care.
The Glória funicular has been an essential part of public transportation in Lisbon since it opened in 1885, helping both locals and tourists navigate the city’s steep landscapes. Following this tragic incident, a national day of mourning has been proclaimed in Portugal.
Carris, the company that operates the funicular, stated they had adhered to all required maintenance protocols, with investigations ongoing to determine what caused the tragic event.
