In the Portuguese capital Lisbon, the famous"Elevador da Glória" funicular derailed and overturned. According to police, at least 15 people are dead and several are injured.
A popular funicular railway derailed in Lisbon. According to Portuguese police, at least 15 people were killed. Another 18 were injured. Five of them are in serious condition, according to rescue workers. Foreign nationals are believed to be among the victims.
It's still unclear why the popular tourist train"Elevador da Glória" derailed, Portuguese media report, citing emergency services in the center of the Portuguese capital. Television images showed that the train overturned and sustained severe damage.
Investigators examine accident scene
During the journey to Praça dos Restauradores, the train derailed for an unknown reason. Eyewitnesses reported on Portuguese television that the historic train raced down the hill at high speed. It then derailed on a curve and crashed into a house. The train has space for about 40 passengers, although it was reportedly not fully occupied.
The news channel SIC Notícias, citing the railway operator, the Lisbon Transport Company, reported that brake failure is suspected as the cause of the accident. Several officers from the criminal investigation department are on site and have already begun an investigation.
Such an accident involving one of Lisbon's funiculars has never occurred before. Portugal's head of state, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, deeply regretted the accident and called for a swift investigation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences to the victims' families.
"Elevador da Glória" popular tourist attraction
The funicular railway with its yellow carriage is one of Lisbon's most famous tourist attractions and dates back to the 19th century. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, connecting the lower town of Baixa with the high-rise district of Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife.
The"Elevador da Glória" overcomes a gradient of more than 17 percent on its 265-meter-long route. Three million visitors use the funicular annually.
