In a shocking incident that has stunned the Portuguese capital, a funicular crash resulted in the death of 16 individuals while also bringing hope through the survival of a three-year-old boy. The accident, which occurred in Lisbon, left over 20 others injured, with emergency services rushing to the scene to assist survivors.
Among the fatalities were nationals from Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, France, Britain, Ukraine, and the U.S., indicating the international impact of this tragedy. Notably, a German citizen thought to have perished was later found alive in the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still murky, prompting the city’s transport authority, Carris, to announce comprehensive inspections of all funiculars in Lisbon. An independent probe has also been initiated.
As a mark of respect for the victims, the political elite attended a memorial service at the Church of St. Dominic, while the public demanded accountability and reassurance regarding safety. One local resident expressed the need for assurance, stating, We need people to know they're safe here.\
Witnesses described terrifying moments as the funicular derailed and crashed into a building, causing mass panic. Survivors recounted how some passengers jumped from windows as the vehicle plunged. One local guide, who was at the scene, detailed her traumatic experience and the chaos that ensued.
In the days following the crash, authorities revealed the identities of several deceased individuals, including workers from a local charity who frequently used the funicular, a vital transportation link in Lisbon’s steep terrain.
The head of the city’s public transport operator indicated that the Gloria line would be reevaluated for safety, noting that funicular maintenance costs have soared in the past decade.
The funicular system is crucial for accessing Lisbon's steep streets, and the ongoing investigation highlights pressing concerns regarding public safety and infrastructure maintenance.
