Tragic incident at Lisbon's popular cable car tourist site: 15 lives lost

In the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, a tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening, when the historic funicular "Elevador da Gloria" derailed. The accident took place around 6:00 PM local time (7:00 PM CET), causing a wave of shock and sorrow across the city.

The derailed wagon of the funicular, a popular tourist attraction that connects the central square Praça dos Restauradores with the higher neighborhood of Bairro Alto, is shown to be completely destroyed in TV images. Sirens are wailing as rescue teams work frantically and tirelessly at the site, attempting to extricate those trapped in the wreckage.

The Portuguese criminal police have launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment, with initial reports suggesting a braking failure as the likely culprit. The "Elevador da Gloria", opened in 1885, is one of the three historic funiculars of Lisbon and overcomes a height difference of around 45 meters. It travels a distance of approximately 265 meters along Rua da Gloria.

The derailed tram-like vehicle slid down the street with a loud noise and crashed into a building near the Praça dos Restauradores square. An eyewitness described the incident as "like an action movie". The accident resulted in the death of 15 people, with five people seriously injured and 13 lightly injured. It is expected that among the dead and injured there will also be several foreign tourists.

Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro canceled all his appointments and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Mayor Carlos Moedas declared a three-day mourning period, urging the citizens of Lisbon to come together in this time of grief.

The operator, Carris, rejected accusations of inadequate maintenance of the railway. The Institute of Forensic Medicine aims to complete autopsies by the morning, with the identities and nationalities of the victims currently unknown.

In response to the incident, the Lisbon city administration has suspended the operation of all three funiculars and ordered immediate inspections. Dense smoke and debris are present at the scene, as reported by live broadcasts on several channels.

As the city mourns and the investigation continues, the people of Lisbon and the world stand united in their support for those affected by this tragic event.