A tragic accident in Lisbon has left 15 people dead and many more injured, marking a dark day in the city's history.
UPDATE AT 6 PM: A FUNICULAR DERAILMENT in Lisbon has resulted in at least 15 fatalities and injured 18 others. The incident occurred during the busy rush hour on Wednesday evening, marking one of the worst accidents in the city’s recent history.
Emergency services confirmed that among the injured, five are in serious condition, including a child. The National Institute for Medical Emergencies reported that some of the injured may include foreign nationals.
Details of the Incident
The funicular carriage, known as the Elevador da Gloria, derailed in the Portuguese capital, causing widespread panic and chaos.
Eyewitnesses recounted a horrifying scene as the carriage careened down the hill, seemingly out of control. Local media described the funicular lying on its side on a narrow road, with its sides and top partially crumpled. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, though many were stood down after about two hours of intense rescue operations.
Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, expressed deep sorrow over the accident, stating, “This was a tragic accident… It’s a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also extended condolences to the affected families, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Investigation and Response
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. Authorities indicated that a thorough inquiry will commence once the rescue operation concludes. As of now, there are no definitive answers regarding what led to this catastrophic event. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences in a heartfelt message, acknowledging the significance of the Elevador da Gloria as a cherished part of Lisbon’s heritage.
As rescue teams continued their work, the focus remained on providing immediate assistance to those affected and determining how such a tragic event could occur. The funicular, which can accommodate over 40 passengers, serves as a vital transportation link for both locals and tourists, with Lisbon welcoming approximately 8.5 million visitors last year.
Historical Context
The Elevador da Gloria, classified as a national monument, has been an integral part of Lisbon’s urban landscape. It operates two carriages that run parallel to each other, traversing a steep hill for a few hundred meters. Given its popularity, many residents and tourists rely on this funicular to navigate the city’s challenging terrain.
This devastating incident highlights the potential dangers inherent in urban transportation and serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life. As the city mourns, the focus will undoubtedly shift to ensuring the safety of its transport systems and preventing future tragedies.
