Portugal has declared a day of national mourning after at least 15 people were killed when a funicular railway car derailed and crashed in Lisbon on Wednesday. The accident occurred on the Gloria line, known as Elevador da Glória, a popular tourist attraction and historic monument.
Eighteen others were injured, including a child, with five in serious condition. Emergency services confirmed that some foreign nationals were among the dead, but did not disclose nationalities. Witnesses reported that the streetcar careened down the hill out of control before hitting a building with brutal force.
Public prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the disaster. The municipal transport company Carris stated that all maintenance protocols had been followed, including daily inspections. The city council suspended other streetcar operations pending inspections.
Mayor Carlos Moedas described it as a tragic day for Lisbon, while Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed dismay. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Pedro Sánchez, offered condolences. The UK Foreign Office said it was ready to provide consular assistance to any affected British nationals.
