A devastating accident in the heart of Lisbon has left at least 15 people dead and 18 others injured after a historic funicular derailed and crashed into a nearby building. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the Elevador da Glória, a century-old cable rail, began descending at high speed before losing control and slamming into the structure. The impact caused severe damage to the carriage, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Rescue teams and firefighters arrived within minutes, pulling survivors from the wreckage and rushing the injured to hospitals across the city. Among the wounded are a pregnant woman and her infant, both transferred to specialized medical facilities. Authorities confirmed that the victims include both local residents and foreign nationals, though the identities of the latter have yet to be verified. Five of the injured remain in critical condition.
In the wake of the tragedy, Portugal has declared a National Day of Mourning, while Lisbon’s mayor announced three days of remembrance for the victims. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and public events have been scaled back as the city grieves.
The Elevador da Glória, which has been in operation since 1885, connects the Restauradores square to the Bairro Alto district and is one of Lisbon’s most iconic modes of transport. Following the accident, all funicular services in the city have been suspended pending safety inspections.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the derailment, as Lisbon comes to terms with one of the most serious public transport disasters in its modern history.
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