A romantic city break in Lisbon ended in unimaginable tragedy for a British couple, named by authorities as Martin and Yvonne Green, after a catastrophic funicular crash in the Portuguese capital.
The devastating incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a carriage on the popular Elevador da Bica funicular suddenly derailed on its steep track in the city's historic centre. The vehicle careened down the hill before coming to a catastrophic halt, claiming the lives of the two British nationals and leaving a third person, the Portuguese operator, in critical condition.
A Popular Tourist Attraction Turned Deadly
The iconic yellow funicular, a beloved tourist attraction that climbs the steep slopes of the Bica neighbourhood, is normally packed with visitors enjoying stunning views of the Tagus River. The cause of the derailment is now the subject of an urgent and comprehensive investigation by Portuguese authorities, who have cordoned off the entire area.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and firefighters, rushed to the scene on Rua S. Paulo in a desperate attempt to free those trapped in the wreckage. The scale of the emergency response underscored the severity of the crash.
Lives Remembered: Tributes to Martin and Yvonne Green
The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting the family of the deceased couple and is in close contact with local authorities in Portugal. A spokesperson stated, "We are supporting the family of two British people who died in Lisbon and are in contact with the local authorities."
As news of their passing spread, friends and family began to pay heartfelt tributes to the couple, remembered for their kindness and vibrant spirit.
The Portuguese operator, who was seriously injured in the accident, remains in a Lisbon hospital fighting for his life. This tragic event has sent shockwaves through both the local Lisbon community and the UK, raising urgent questions about safety protocols on the city's historic transport systems.
