A devastating accident on the Lisbon funicular resulted in multiple fatalities, prompting an investigation into the cable failure that caused the incident.
A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night in Lisbon, where a funicular crash resulted in the deaths of three British nationals and 13 others. The mishap, which took place in the bustling streets of downtown Lisbon, has left the community in shock.
Authorities have indicated that the crash was likely due to a failure of the cable connecting the two cabins of the funicular.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from Portuguese authorities, an additional 21 individuals sustained injuries, five of whom are in serious condition.
The victims included two well-known figures from the UK: theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner, Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre. The identity of a third British victim has yet to be disclosed.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of several other nationals, including five Portuguese, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss, and one Ukrainian.
The preliminary investigation conducted by Portugal’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations revealed that the funicular cabins had traveled only a short distance before they experienced a critical loss of balance due to a cable failure. The report detailed that Cabin No. 2 reversed abruptly, halting approximately 10 meters beyond the track’s end, while Cabin No. 1 continued its descent, accelerating uncontrollably.
“The cabin’s brakeman immediately applied the pneumatic brake and the hand brake to try to halt the movement,” the report stated. “These actions had no effect.” The investigation unveiled that the connecting cable had given way at the attachment point at the top of the hill, leading to the derailment.
Victims Remembered
The families of the deceased Britons have expressed their heartbreak over the loss. In a statement released by Cheshire Police, Ms. Smith’s family described her as a beloved figure known for her humor and kindness, emphasizing her dedication as a funeral operative and a talented theatre director who had just completed her master’s degree.
Mr. Nelson’s younger brother shared an emotional tribute, highlighting Will’s selfless nature and the profound impact of his loss on family and friends. “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now,” he said. “He was always kind, selfless, and protective.”
Official Reactions and Investigation Updates
The British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating that his thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy. “We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time,” he added. The Foreign Office is currently providing support to the families of the deceased.
As the investigation continues, a preliminary report has been released, with a final report expected to follow shortly. The Gloria funicular, which has been operational for 140 years, is a popular tourist attraction that transports visitors between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto area, typically taking just three minutes for the journey.
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with transport systems, particularly those operating on steep slopes. The Portuguese Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, described the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past,” underlining the severity of the situation and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.
AGGIORNAMENTO ORE [current time]: Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, and authorities continue to gather information regarding the tragic event.
