Urgent Update: 16 Confirmed Dead in Lisbon Funicular Disaster
UPDATE: In a devastating incident, 16 people have been confirmed dead following a catastrophic funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal. The crash occurred on the evening of October 25, 2023, when the historic Elevador da Gloria lost control, derailed, and collided with a building. This marks one of the deadliest accidents in the country’s history.
Developing reports from forensic teams indicate that nearly all victims have been identified. Among the deceased are two South Koreans, two Swiss nationals, one French citizen, and five Portuguese residents. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that one American is among the fatalities, though further details remain undisclosed.
At least 21 others were injured, hailing from various countries including Portugal, Spain, Israel, Brazil, Italy, and France. Authorities emphasize the urgent need for clarity regarding the causes of this tragic event. The president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, along with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, attended a memorial service on October 26, expressing condolences and calling for swift investigations.
“This is a time of mourning. It’s essential to support the families affected,” said Rebelo de Sousa.
The Elevador da Gloria, a cherished tourist attraction for nearly 140 years, sees millions of visitors each year. Tragically, the crash has deeply affected the local community, particularly the Santa Casa da Misericordia charity, which lost four employees who were commuting home from work during the accident.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a cable failure may have led to the funicular’s rapid descent. Officials are closely examining the frayed cable remnants recovered from the scene. The president of the Portuguese Order of Engineers noted that a sudden rupture of such a cable is “very strange” and would typically be unexpected in this type of transport system.
Portugal’s Air and Rail Accident Investigation Unit is expected to release a preliminary report on the technical causes of the accident today. In 45 days, national police will provide a report on any potential criminality involved.
As the city mourns, Lisbon’s three million residents will observe three days of mourning for the victims of this tragic disaster. With travel to Portugal continuing to surge, including an estimated 29 million visitors in 2024, the implications of this accident resonate widely, impacting both locals and tourists alike.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with public transport systems. Authorities encourage all citizens and tourists to stay informed as investigations unfold. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
