Lisbon – Shock during the holiday season: A famous funicular railway has derailed in the Portuguese capital. According to a spokesperson for rescue services, at least 15 people are dead and 18 injured.
The train involved in the accident was the Elevador da Glória. According to the Portuguese portal"Sapo," the elevator cable apparently came apart. An eyewitness in the report stated:"The car hit a building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box. It hit with great force."
Television images showed that the track overturned and was badly damaged.
Another eyewitness told the TV station"SIC": "I heard a loud bang and then people's screams. The police arrived, then the ambulances arrived and started taking people away. I didn't see any blood, but many people weren't moving; they must have been unconscious."
Injured in critical condition
It took several hours for rescue workers to rescue all the injured from the rubble. The accident occurred around 6 p.m. Five of the injured are in critical condition, including a child, the National Institute for Medical Emergencies reported in a statement. An unknown number of the injured are tourists. Rescue workers did not provide any information about their nationalities.
The Glória Funicular is one of the oldest operating elevators in Lisbon. It has been in operation since 1885 and can transport more than 40 people, both sitting and standing. The funicular is considered a national monument and is popular with locals and visitors alike, connecting the lower city of Baixa with the high-rise district of Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife.
Investigation to clarify cause of accident
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences to the affected families. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas lamented the"tragic day" for the city and said he was on site to assist the victims."This was a tragic accident. It's a tragedy like we've never seen before."
The Portuguese government announced in a statement that an investigation into the causes will begin once the rescue operation is completed. The government declared Thursday a national day of mourning.
