Portugal has declared a national day of mourning following a funicular railway crash in central Lisbon that killed at least 15 people and injured 18 others, including a child.
The historic Gloria funicular car derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday evening during rush hour, with emergency services confirming foreign nationals were among the victims, though their nationalities have not been disclosed.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced Thursday would be observed as a day of national mourning, describing the tragedy as one that has “brought grief to families and dismay to the country”.
Investigation launched into historic railway disaster
Public prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred around 6pm on the well-known Elevador da Gloria line that connects central Lisbon with the Bairro Alto district.
Footage showed the distinctive yellow and white car lying on its side in the narrow street, with its metal structure severely damaged after apparently crashing into a building where the road bends.
BREAKING: Lisbon's iconic Gloria Funicular derailspic.twitter.com/7xC3qV0Tn3
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Witness Teresa d’Avó told Portuguese television channel SIC: “It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box.” Another witness reported the car toppled onto a pedestrian on the pavement.
Emergency services extracted all victims from the wreckage within just over two hours, with five people suffering serious injuries.
Century-old funicular suspended after tragedy
The Gloria line, which opened in 1885 and holds national monument status, carries approximately 3 million passengers annually using two cars attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable system.
Municipal transport company Carris stated that “all maintenance protocols have been carried out”, including monthly and weekly programmes plus daily inspections.
Lisbon City Council has suspended operations of other streetcars across the city pending immediate safety inspections.
Video footage broadcast by CNN Portugal showed the undamaged car at the bottom of the line jolting violently when the other derailed, with passengers jumping from windows amid shouting from bystanders.
International condolences pour in
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sadness at the derailment, posting condolences to victims’ families on social media.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described feeling “appalled by the terrible accident”, whilst Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani conveyed solidarity with the victims to his Portuguese counterpart.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas told reporters: “It’s a tragic day for our city. Lisbon is in mourning, it is a tragic, tragic incident.”
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed hope that authorities would quickly establish the crash’s cause.
