Portuguese police have confirmed that three Britons were among the 16 people killed in Lisbon on Wednesday evening when a funicular streetcar derailed and crashed into a building. The accident on the Elevador da Glória also left 21 people injured, five of whom are in a serious condition.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history”. A preliminary report is due on Friday from the government’s office for air and rail accident investigations, while a broader police report is expected within 45 days.
Police said 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. Downing Street said Prime Minister Keir Starmer was “deeply saddened” and his thoughts were with the families.
Investigators have found no evidence of sabotage, leaving mechanical failure or maintenance issues as possible causes. A union official said workers had complained about cable tension problems affecting braking, but the operator Carris stated all maintenance protocols were followed, including daily inspections.
The Glória line, which carries about 3 million passengers annually, uses two cars attached to a haulage cable. The vehicle involved had been in service since 1914 and underwent a full maintenance programme last year. Carris said the last inspection was nine hours before the crash, but did not specify if all cables were tested.
Hundreds attended a solemn mass on Thursday evening, including the prime minister, president and Lisbon’s mayor. Mayor Carlos Moedas said the city needed answers and promised a swift investigation to determine responsibility.
