A tragic accident involving a funicular in Lisbon has resulted in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to more than 20 others. The incident occurred on Wednesday, with a three-year-old boy reportedly rescued from the wreckage. It has been confirmed that the child’s father was among those who died, while the mother suffered injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the police and prosecutors.
Lisbon’s public transport operator, Carris, announced that all funicular services would be suspended for inspections and that an independent inquiry has been initiated. This follows the revelation that some victims included foreign nationals, with early reports indicating fatalities among Canadians, Germans, and Ukrainians. The Portuguese transport union identified one of the deceased as a funicular brake operator.
Witnesses at the scene have described the chaos, with one local resident expressing disbelief at the incident’s severity. Tourists, who altered their plans just before the accident, expressed concern over the unexpected turn of events. A tour guide present during the crash recounted her experience, noting that she heard a large crash and saw people attempting to escape from the windows.
On Thursday, Carris’s head stated that the Gloria line would eventually reopen with new equipment, emphasizing an increase in maintenance costs. Officials noted that footage showed the damaged funicular overturned and trapped passengers, who required emergency assistance.
The funicular system in Lisbon serves as a vital means of transportation in the hilly city, with routes dating back to the late 19th century. The Glória funicular, which connects central Lisbon to the Bairro Alto area, has been operational since 1885 and remains a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrqj7ydr0ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss