A dream holiday to the sun-drenched streets of Lisbon turned into an unimaginable nightmare for a British family this week, as 25-year-old Kayleigh Smith from Wigan lost her life in a horrific funicular accident.
The tragic incident, which has sent shockwaves through the expat and tourist community, occurred on the iconic Elevador da Bica—one of the Portuguese capital's most beloved and picturesque tourist attractions.
A Catastrophic Mechanical Failure
According to the initial findings of the Portuguese police investigation, the tragedy was caused by a catastrophic failure of the cable car's central safety mechanism. The device designed to prevent the carriage from rolling backwards inexplicably failed, leading to the vehicle reversing uncontrollably down the steep incline.
Kayleigh, who was walking down the track's staircase at the time, was tragically unable to escape the path of the out-of-control carriage. Despite the immediate efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene from catastrophic injuries.
A Family's Heartbreak
In a moving tribute, Kayleigh's grieving family has spoken of their profound loss. Describing her as a 'beautiful, loving daughter and sister' with a 'passion for exploring new cultures,' their statement highlighted the void her death has left.
They have appealed for privacy during this devastating time but expressed a desire for a full and transparent investigation to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Tourist Safety Under Scrutiny
The accident has ignited urgent questions about the maintenance and safety protocols of Lisbon's historic transport network. The Elevador da Bica, a fixture since 1892, is a major draw for millions of tourists annually.
Local authorities have confirmed that the specific carriage involved has been impounded for a full forensic examination. An urgent review of all similar funiculars and tramways across the city has been ordered.
The British Foreign Office has confirmed it is 'providing support to the family of a British woman who died in Portugal' and is in contact with local authorities regarding the investigation.
