A tragic accident occurred in Lisbon last night when a funicular tram derailed, resulting in the death of 17 individuals and leaving 21 others injured. The incident took place at the renowned Gloria Funicular, a popular attraction in the Portuguese capital. Shocking footage captured bystanders shouting about children trapped underneath as the tram careened down a hill and collided with a building, causing extensive damage.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the fatal collision, but the exact cause remains unknown. Among the casualties are tourists, with the identities of most victims yet to be disclosed, including any potential British nationals. The first victim identified was a 40-year-old Portuguese brakeman named André Jorge Gonçalves Marques. Tragically, a three-year-old German boy was injured, and his mother is in critical condition, while his father lost his life at the scene.
The Glória Funicular, which has been in operation since 1885, transports around three million passengers annually between Lisbon’s Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto neighborhood. The accident occurred near Restauradores Square when one of the trams veered off course, crashing into a building at a sharp bend on Calçada da Glória.
Reports suggest that the funicular may have become detached before the crash, leading to the tragic event. The national transport safety authority and the company responsible for operating the funicular service are conducting their investigations.
Concerns have been raised about maintenance practices, with one employee union expressing worries about inadequate upkeep, despite the tramways company asserting that regular maintenance was last completed in 2022. The funicular, known as Elevador da Gloria, operates using an electric motor system, with two cars moving in opposite directions along a steep downtown hill.
The operation of the funicular involves cars connected by a haulage cable, with one car descending while the other ascends due to weight distribution. The system runs daily, with trips scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.
Foreign nationals were among the victims, but it is uncertain if British tourists were involved in the incident. The tragic loss of life and injuries have deeply affected the local community and visitors alike.
