Portugal is in mourning after 16 people died and a further 23 were injured when Lisbon's famous Glória funicular cable railway derailed on Wednesday evening. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro confirmed that the number of fatalities was updated from initially reported 17.
Among the deceased, there were seven men and eight women, as stated by Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency. Victims included five Portuguese nationals alongside three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one American, one Ukrainian, one Swiss, and one French national. Authorities are still working to confirm the identities of the victims.
One of the workers who lost their lives was André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, the funicular's brake guard. The transport union Sitra expressed condolences and highlighted Marques as a dedicated professional. He is remembered fondly by his employer, Carris, as well as by friends and family.
Another victim, Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade, a former volleyball referee and leader of the Lisbon Volleyball Association, was honored by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation, mourning his loss. The tragedy has struck multiple families tied to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia organization, where several employees were involved.
The incident has raised significant concern about the safety of public transport in the city, particularly as the funicular is a vital connector for both residents and tourists navigating Lisbon's hilly terrain.
In the wake of this tragedy, officials have called for a national day of mourning, and investigations continue to ascertain the details surrounding the crash. The funicular service has been suspended, affecting daily commutes.
