A tragic incident in Lisbon claimed the lives of a British couple, Kayleigh Gillian Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, who were on a sightseeing trip on the Gloria Funicular tram. The accident occurred due to a loose cable, causing the tram to accelerate uncontrollably down a steep hill, crashing into a building. Witnesses described the tram crumpling like a cardboard box upon impact.
The crash resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, including three Brits, five Portuguese citizens, and others from various nationalities. Additionally, 22 people sustained injuries in the tragic event.
Prior to the accident, Kayleigh and William had shared holiday photos on Kayleigh’s Instagram, showcasing their exploration of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and scenery. The images captured moments of joy as the couple posed in front of art and historic architecture, including a photo featuring the same type of tram involved in the fatal incident.
The couple, who had recently arrived in Portugal, were described by a close friend as a lovely pair with a strong bond. Witnesses at the scene recounted the horrifying crash, with one witness mentioning the tram’s lack of brakes and another describing the tram’s descent as completely out of control.
Various officials and public figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and Portugal’s Prime Minister, expressed deep sadness and solidarity with the victims and their families, labeling the incident as one of the worst tragedies in recent memory.
