Portugal held a day of national mourning on Thursday after a devastating accident involving Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular left at least 15 people dead and 18 others injured. The derailment happened on Wednesday when the train lost control on its steep route near Liberty Avenue and crashed into a nearby building.
Emergency crews worked late into the night to rescue passengers and recover victims. Witnesses described the crash as extremely violent, saying the funicular crumpled on impact. Several of those killed or injured were foreign nationals, though their names have not yet been released.
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, called it an unprecedented tragedy for the capital. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro offered condolences to grieving families, while European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Portugal.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine the cause. The city’s transport operator, Carris, stated that all maintenance checks had been up to date, noting that the last intermediate service took place in 2024.
The Gloria funicular, which began operating in 1885 and was electrified in 1915, has long been a symbol of Lisbon and a favorite among tourists. Its derailment has left the nation in shock and mourning.
Leave a Reply