URGENT UPDATE: In a tragic incident, police in Lisbon, Portugal confirmed that 11 of the 16 fatalities from a funicular railway derailment were foreigners. The devastating crash occurred on Wednesday evening, drawing immediate attention to the safety of one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Among the deceased are five Portuguese citizens, along with three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, and one individual each from France, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United States. Notably, a German tourist initially believed to be dead has been located in a Lisbon hospital, police reported, following a mix-up that led his parents to mistakenly identify another victim.
The Elevador da Gloria, a historic funicular known for its picturesque views, was crowded with both locals and tourists at the time of the derailment. The incident left 21 additional people injured, prompting a multi-agency investigation into the cause of this calamity, described by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.”
Originally scheduled for Friday, the preliminary technical report from the government’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations has been postponed until Saturday due to procedural delays. Chief police investigator Nelson Oliveira indicated that a more comprehensive police report will be available within 45 days.
The wreckage of the funicular has been secured by police, as authorities seek to determine the cause of the crash. Speculation surrounding potential mechanical failures, such as a faulty brake or snapped cable, remains unconfirmed. “The city needs answers,” emphasized Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas, urging for clarity as emergency services continue to respond to the aftermath.
A somber atmosphere enveloped Lisbon as hundreds gathered for a Mass at the Church of Saint Dominic on Thursday evening, including Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to honor those lost. The emotional toll of the tragedy extends beyond national borders, with many nations mourning their citizens.
In response to the incident, Lisbon’s City Council has suspended operations for three other funiculars pending immediate inspections. The operator, Carris, stated that a comprehensive maintenance program was conducted last year, with daily visual inspections performed on the streetcar, including one just nine hours prior to the crash.
As investigations continue, officials are under pressure to provide timely answers for the families of the victims and the public. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of transportation safety, especially in a city that welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists last year.
As more details unfold, stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
