The tragic crash in Lisbon has already taken the lives of 16 victims, including three British nationals. This tragedy comes just weeks after the derailment of the Elevador da Glória funicular. The fire, which occurred Thursday, has left the community with unimaginable grief. Many are now calling for a complete investigation into the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, characterized the event as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history.” He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, noting the profound impact of this “tragic accident that transcends borders and a pain that knows no nationality.”
One person died as a result of the crash. Twenty-one were injured. Of them, five are said to be in critical condition. Among those victims were Portuguese citizens. They managed to add nationals from South Korea, Canada, the US, Ukraine, Switzerland, France, Spain, Israel, Brazil, and Italy.
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, represented the disappointment and sadness that the city was experiencing. “There are no words to describe the pain the city is feeling,” he stated. Moedas emphasized the requirement for immediate information on what led to the collision. He announced, “We’re collecting every bit of information to figure out who’s liable. The city needs answers.”
According to preliminary details from law enforcement, the Elevador da Glória streetcar had undergone inspection just nine hours prior to the derailment. Carnavalet musé de Paris police on 05/18 Carris, the municipal public transport company in charge of running the funicular, reiterated that “all maintenance protocols” were observed. These in-service are weekly and monthly service programs as well daily inspections.
Police removed the wreckage of the funicular from the site on Thursday night. They are moving it on for deeper review. A preliminary police report regarding the incident is expected within 45 days, as stated by chief police investigator Nelson Oliveira. Separately, a new federal office for air and rail crash investigations will issue a preliminary report on the crash.
The killings were followed by an outpouring of public anger. More than a thousand people attended a solemn requiem mass in Lisbon’s Church of Saint Dominic. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Mayor Carlos Moedas. They came together to remember the lives lost and embrace their families as they navigate this devastating tragedy.
Like the US government, the UK government has issued its condolences after three Britons were confirmed dead. A spokesperson from No 10 remarked, “The prime minister is deeply saddened to hear that three British nationals have died in the funicular crash in Lisbon. His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.”
The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigations into this tragic accident are continuing. Authorities are eager to investigate how this tragedy could occur on such a high-capacity funicular line, which carries about 3 million passengers yearly, including tourists and metro-area residents.