The families of a British couple killed in a Lisbon funicular crash have paid tribute, describing themselves as 'heartbroken'. Kayleigh Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, died when the Elevador da Glória derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday night. The accident also killed 14 other people, including a third British victim whose identity has not yet been released.
Smith, from Macclesfield in Cheshire, was a funeral operative and a talented theatre director who had just completed a master's degree. Nelson worked as a theatre director in Manchester. In a statement issued by Cheshire police, Smith's family said: 'Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.'
Nelson's brother said: 'Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now... We lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone's. He was always kind, selfless, and protective, and the world does not feel right or normal without him.'
The crash, described by Portugal's prime minister as 'one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history', also left 21 people injured, five seriously. The victims included citizens from Portugal, Britain, South Korea, Canada, the United States, Ukraine, Switzerland and France. A German citizen initially thought dead was later found alive in a hospital.
Investigators have found no evidence of sabotage, leaving mechanical failure or maintenance issues as possible causes. The Glória line carries about 3 million people annually. A No 10 spokesperson said the prime minister was 'deeply saddened' and that the UK stands united with Portugal.
