Tragic Incident in Lisbon: Police probe following historic funicular accident resulting in at least 15 fatalities

In an unfortunate incident, the Glória funicular, a historic cable railway in Lisbon, derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday at around 6:05 p.m. The accident resulted in at least 15 deaths and 18 injuries, with several victims in critical condition.

The Glória funicular, operational since 1885, is a heritage icon in Lisbon's urban transit landscape, carrying around 3 million passengers annually. The incident occurred during the evening rush hour, causing a deep shock among residents and tourists alike.

The company operating the Elevador da Glória funicular railway is the Lisbon public transport company Carris. Carris maintains that all maintenance protocols were duly followed, but further scrutiny of maintenance records and oversight practices is expected in the ongoing investigation.

The Portuguese government has declared a national day of mourning, and Lisbon city officials are observing a three-day period of mourning. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims' families. Among the first identified casualties is brakeman André Marques.

Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene, with one passenger saying the carriage "lost control" and crashed "like a cardboard box." Reports include one pedestrian tragically struck by the careening car. The preliminary cause of the accident is suspected to be loose cable and potential brake failure.

Police, prosecutors, and the national accident investigation bureau (GPIAAF) have launched formal investigations into the accident. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and to learn lessons for future safety measures.

Several victims are believed to include foreign nationals, and diplomatic contacts are underway. The crash has deeply shocked Lisbon, a city that prides itself on its rich history and cultural heritage. The Glória funicular has been designated a national monument, adding to the poignancy of this tragic event.

Emergency crews, consisting of 62 personnel and 22 vehicles, responded swiftly and extracted all victims from the site within two hours. The resilience and quick response of the emergency services are a testament to the city's preparedness in such situations.

As the city mourns, the focus shifts to the investigation and ensuring such a tragedy never occurs again. The Glória funicular, once a symbol of Lisbon's unique charm, now stands as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and maintenance in our daily lives.

Tragic Incident in Lisbon: Police probe following historic funicular accident resulting in at least 15 fatalities