At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured when the Gloria funicular railway car derailed and crashed into a building in Lisbon on Wednesday. Portugal has declared a day of national mourning following the disaster.
The accident occurred at about 6pm on the Elevador da Glória, a historic funicular that runs up and down a steep hill in central Lisbon. Emergency services confirmed that some foreign nationals were among the dead, but did not provide further details. Five of the injured are in a serious condition.
Witnesses reported that the yellow and white car careened down the hill out of control before hitting a building with brutal force. The vehicle, which can carry about 40 people, was left crumpled on its side. One witness described how it fell apart like a cardboard box.
An investigation has been launched by public prosecutors, and police are inspecting the site. The municipal transport company Carris stated that all maintenance protocols had been carried out, including daily inspections. Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, described it as a tragic day for the city.
The Gloria funicular, which opened in 1885 and is a national monument, connects Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto district. It transports about three million people annually. Following the crash, Lisbon suspended operations of other streetcars and ordered immediate inspections.
