A catastrophic failure of the Lisbon funicular system resulted in the loss of 16 lives, including three Britons. Investigations reveal a cable failure as the primary cause of the tragedy.
On Wednesday night, a tragic incident unfolded in Lisbon, Portugal, when a funicular railway derailed, resulting in the deaths of three British nationals and 13 others. The incident, which occurred in the city’s center, has sent shockwaves through the community and attracted the attention of authorities.
Initial investigations suggest that a failure in the cable connecting the funicular’s two cabins likely caused the derailment.
Details of the Incident
At approximately [insert time], the Gloria funicular, a popular tourist attraction, was carrying passengers when it suddenly lost control.
Witnesses reported a loud noise followed by chaos as the cabins derailed, leading to a swift response from emergency services. A total of 21 individuals sustained injuries, with five in serious condition, underscoring the incident’s severity.
Among the deceased are theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson, both remembered fondly by their families.
The identity of the third British victim has not yet been disclosed. Alongside the British nationals, the accident claimed the lives of five Portuguese citizens, two Canadians, two South Koreans, an American, a French citizen, a Swiss national, and a Ukrainian.
Investigation Findings
Portugal’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations released its preliminary report on Saturday, indicating that the funicular cabins had only traveled about six meters before experiencing a sudden loss of the balancing force provided by the cable. The report notes that Cabin No. 2 abruptly reversed while Cabin No. 1 accelerated uncontrollably down the slope.
“The cabin’s brakeman immediately applied the pneumatic brake and the hand brake to try to halt the movement. These actions had no effect,” the report stated, emphasizing the catastrophic nature of the failure. An examination of the wreckage revealed that the connecting cable had given way at the attachment point, highlighting the need for thorough investigations into safety protocols.
Responses and Reactions
The families of the victims are mourning their losses, with heartfelt tributes pouring in. A statement from Cheshire Police conveyed the deep sorrow of Kayleigh’s family, who described her as a beloved figure known for her wit and caring nature. Will Nelson’s family expressed their grief, highlighting his selfless and protective personality.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended his condolences, stating, “His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident.” Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro referred to the derailment as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past,” reflecting the national sentiment regarding the incident.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the causes and ensuring that such an incident never occurs again. The Gloria funicular, a historic system over 140 years old, transports passengers between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto area, making this accident particularly alarming for the safety of such transport systems.
UPDATE AT [insert time]: Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds, with a preliminary and final report expected in the coming weeks.
