A British citizen who was a victim of the recent accident involving the Lisbon funicular had posted cheerful pictures on Instagram shortly before the tragic event. The Instagram post shared by Kayleigh Smith showcased moments from her vacation in Portugal alongside her partner, Will Nelson. Sadly, both individuals lost their lives in the incident, where the popular tourist attraction in Lisbon suffered a derailment.
Kayleigh’s Instagram caption, “Churches and castles, tiles and trams,” took a poignant turn as she lost her life in the tram crash mere hours after posting the joyful images. The accident claimed the lives of a total of 16 people, including three British nationals, while the identity of the third British victim has not been disclosed by authorities yet.
The casualties of the accident included individuals from various nationalities, with five Portuguese nationals, two Canadians, two South Koreans, and others from different countries among the deceased. Additionally, 21 individuals sustained injuries, with five in critical condition.
Kayleigh, aged 36, was an active member of MADS Theatre in Macclesfield, Cheshire, where a heartfelt tribute was posted in her memory. The theater expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Kayleigh and Will, acknowledging Kayleigh’s significant contributions to the local theater scene and her impact as a friend to many.
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the three British victims and emphasized solidarity with Portugal during this challenging period. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office confirmed their assistance to the families of the deceased British nationals and their coordination with local authorities.
The Gloria funicular, a historic 140-year-old transportation system, was carrying a full load of passengers when the accident occurred. The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, described the incident as one of the most devastating tragedies in the country’s recent history.
