Portugal in Mourning After Lisbon Funicular Tragedy
Lisbon is reeling after one of its most beloved landmarks, the historic Gloria funicular, derailed and crashed this week in what has now been called the city’s deadliest transport accident in decades. The funicular, a yellow-and-white streetcar that has carried residents and tourists alike since the late 1800s, came off the tracks Wednesday evening during rush hour. It plummeted down one of Lisbon’s steepest hills before slamming into a building with devastating force.
The crash left 17 people dead and more than 20 others injured. Among the victims were both Portuguese citizens and international visitors, reflecting how popular this attraction had become for travelers eager to ride its short but iconic journey from Restauradores Square up to the nightlife district of Bairro Alto. Authorities confirmed that those killed included the brakeman, André Marques, who had been operating the car when disaster struck.
Also Read:- Amazon Stock Outlook Strengthens with AI Analyst Backing
- Social Media Hype Puts Kamloops Hikers in Danger
Witnesses described terrifying scenes. Some reported seeing the funicular racing downhill with no brakes, moving far too fast to stop. When it struck the corner building, its metal frame crumpled instantly. One witness compared the impact to a cardboard box being torn apart. Nearby pedestrians ran for safety, fearing the runaway car would cause even more destruction as it careened out of control.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, working into the night to free passengers trapped inside the wreckage. Within two hours, all victims had been pulled out, but the devastation was already clear. Hospitals across Lisbon received the injured, and forensic teams were dispatched to help identify the deceased.
The Gloria funicular has been more than just transportation. Since 1885, it has served as a cultural symbol of Lisbon, recognized as a national monument and cherished by both locals and millions of tourists each year. Its dual-car system, powered by steel cables, usually runs smoothly on a curved traffic-free road. But officials now face urgent questions about how such a catastrophic failure could have occurred. Investigators from Portugal’s judicial police began examining the tracks, the cables, and the remains of the streetcar. Although speculation about faulty brakes or a snapped cable has circulated, no official cause has yet been announced.
In response, Lisbon’s city council suspended operations of all other funiculars in the city pending inspection. The government declared a national day of mourning, later extended to three days. Flags across Portugal and even at European Union institutions were lowered to half-staff. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences, while Mayor Carlos Moedas called the crash “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” Messages of solidarity and sympathy poured in from across Europe, including from Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Carris, the company that operates the funicular, confirmed that maintenance had been carried out on schedule and pledged full cooperation with investigators. But for Lisbon, the sight of the Gloria funicular lying wrecked on its side marks a profound loss. What was once a joyful ride up the hillside has now become a scene of national grief, and Portugal is left mourning lives lost in an accident that no one ever expected to happen on such a historic symbol of the city.
Read More:
0 Comments