A popular tourist funicular in the heart of Lisbon became the scene of a terrifying accident after the historic carriage's brakes reportedly failed, causing it to roll backwards and crash.
The incident, which occurred on the Gloria Funicular line, a key transport route in the Portuguese capital, left multiple people with injuries. Emergency services rushed to the scene following distress calls from shocked passengers and bystanders.
Early reports from Portuguese authorities indicate a catastrophic failure of the vehicle's braking system is the primary cause being investigated. The carriage is said to have been unable to stop on its ascent, leading to it plummeting backwards down the steep track.
An eyewitness described the chaotic scene to local media, stating: "The tram was going up and then suddenly it started going backwards, faster and faster. There was a loud noise when it hit something at the bottom. People were screaming."
The iconic Gloria line, in operation for over a century, is one of Lisbon's most famous tourist attractions, ferrying thousands of visitors and locals up and down the city's steep hills every day. This incident has raised immediate questions about the maintenance and safety protocols for the city's ageing transport infrastructure.
Local officials have confirmed that a full and thorough investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances that led to the mechanical failure. The funicular line has been suspended indefinitely while the probe is ongoing.
