Portuguese police have confirmed that three British nationals were among the 16 people killed when a funicular streetcar derailed in Lisbon on Wednesday evening. The accident, which also left 21 injured, occurred when the Elevador da Glória car careered down a hill and crashed into a building.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history.” The victims included five Portuguese, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one American, one Ukrainian, one Swiss, and one French citizen. A German citizen initially thought dead was later found alive in hospital.
Investigators have found no evidence of sabotage, leaving mechanical failure or maintenance issues as possible causes. A union official said workers had raised concerns about cable tension affecting braking, but the operator Carris stated all maintenance protocols were followed, including daily inspections.
Downing Street said Prime Minister Keir Starmer was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of the three Britons and offered condolences to their families. A preliminary report from the government’s accident investigation office is expected on Friday, with a broader police report due within 45 days.
