A major rescue operation is underway in the Portuguese capital after a devastating funicular railway derailment sent a carriage plunging into the street, leaving multiple people dead and injured.
The historic ‘Gloria Funicular’, a beloved tourist attraction that climbs one of Lisbon’s steepest hills, catastrophically failed on Tuesday afternoon. The carriage is reported to have suddenly jolted from its tracks before crashing, causing scenes of chaos and horror in the city's bustling central district.
Emergency Scramble Amidst the Wreckage
Lisbon's emergency services responded en masse to the calamity on Rua São Pedro de Alcântara. Firefighters, paramedics, and police cordoned off the area as they worked to free trapped passengers from the mangled wreckage. The precise cause of the derailment remains unknown and is now the subject of an urgent official investigation.
Initial reports from local authorities confirm a tragically significant death toll, with many more passengers suffering severe injuries. The victims are believed to be a mix of local residents and international tourists, who frequently use the iconic yellow carriage for its stunning views over the city.
A City Icon Shrouded in Tragedy
The Gloria line, or Elevador da Glória, is not merely transport but an integral piece of Lisbon’s heritage, operating since 1885. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising immediate and serious questions about the maintenance and safety protocols of the city's historic transport network.
An official from Carris, the public transport company that operates the funicular, stated that a full probe into the incident's circumstances has been launched. The company has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
This disaster marks one of the worst transport accidents in Lisbon's recent history, casting a pall over the city and its vital tourism industry.
