Tragic Lisbon Funicular Crash Claims Lives
In a heartbreaking event for Portugal, 16 individuals lost their lives and at least 23 more were injured when the Glória funicular cable railway in Lisbon derailed on Wednesday evening. The Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, announced that the death toll was revised from an initial count of 17 due to the identification of victims. Among the deceased were a diverse group of nationalities, including five Portuguese, three Britons, and individuals from South Korea, Canada, the USA, Ukraine, Switzerland, and France.
Among those killed was André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a brake guard for the funicular, described by his union as a dedicated and kind professional. Mr. Marques, who worked at the funicular for several years, leaves behind a wife and two children.
Another notable victim was Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade, a former volleyball referee who held leadership positions within the local volleyball community. The tragedy has prompted expressions of sorrow from multiple organizations, including his workplace, which stated that four employees died in the crash.
The Glória funicular is not only an attraction for tourists in Lisbon but also serves as a critical transport link for locals navigating the city's steep hills. The event has driven the community into mourning, with officials indicating that the number of casualties could still change as investigations continue.
As the investigation unfolds, details remain scarce about the total number of passengers aboard during the crash. Authorities emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the incident to understand better how such a tragedy could occur.