On Wednesday evening, a carriage from Lisbon’s Gloria funicular lost control and crashed into a building, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and 20 injuries, some of which are considered critical. Reports indicate that the incident occurred just after 6:00 PM, as the carriage careened down a steep cobblestone street and collided violently with a structure near Avenida da Liberdade.
Eyewitnesses described the sound of the crash as deafening, followed by silence and the emergence of black smoke. Videos verified by the BBC captured the aftermath, showcasing the derailed yellow-and-white train against the building while people rushed up the hill towards the site of the crash.
The funicular, operational for 140 years, uses electric motors and revolves around a cable system designed for one carriage to ascend as another descends. Witness accounts indicate that a lower carriage began to ascend when the upper carriage lost control and sped down the incline toward the building. One observer reported hearing a loud screech shortly before the crash and noted that passengers on the lower carriage experienced a sudden drop before the upper car faced its catastrophic descent.
Survivors of the incident described scenes of chaos, with individuals jumping out of windows and others rushing to assist those affected. Initial investigations by the police are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.
Some tourists near the crash site expressed their relief at having chosen not to ride the funicular just moments before the accident occurred, emphasizing the suddenness and severity of the event. One tourist described the noise of the collision as akin to a massive rockfall.
As authorities continue their investigation, the tragic occurrence raises questions about safety measures and protocols in place for such modes of urban transport.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20v4g71zrpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss