On Wednesday evening, a tragic incident involving Lisbon’s well-known funicular cable railway resulted in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to about 20 others. Among the deceased was a transportation worker, while a three-year-old German child reportedly sustained only minor injuries. Emergency services reported that the injured included four Portuguese citizens and 11 foreign nationals hailing from countries such as Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, Morocco, and Cape Verde.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced the death toll during a press conference, noting that the initial figure of 17 had been adjusted. The victims included eight women and seven men, though police have yet to disclose the identities or nationalities of all those who lost their lives.
One identified victim was André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a brake guard for the funicular, recognized by the transport union Sitra as a dedicated worker. The Portuguese Volleyball Federation confirmed that former volleyball referee Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade was another victim. Additionally, lawyer Alda Matias was reported among the deceased, with connections to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia organization.
Reports indicate that a German family was involved in the incident, with the father dying at the scene, while the mother remains in critical condition in the hospital. The hospital also reported various conditions for the injured, with several discharged as their injuries were deemed minor.
The Glória funicular, which can accommodate about 40 passengers, plays a significant role in local transportation due to Lisbon’s steep terrain. As investigations continue, details about the exact number of passengers on board and the identities of all individuals involved remain unclear. The UK foreign office is monitoring the situation, prepared to assist any British nationals who may have been affected.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvryg271ymo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss