A carriage from Lisbon's renowned Glória funicular experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after 18:00 on Wednesday, resulting in a harrowing accident that claimed at least 16 lives and left around 20 others injured, some critically. Eyewitness Helen Chow recounted how the carriage careened off the tracks, describing the ear-piercing sound followed by a heavy silence and billowing smoke.
Witnesses reported frantic scenes, as people desperately ran to assist those trapped following the crash. Chow, visiting from Canada, expressed her shock, stating, It was awful. I am shaken. The police have since launched an investigation to determine the cause of this tragic event, which occurred near Avenida da Liberdade in the city.
Video footage verified by the BBC shows the derailed yellow-and-white train wedged against a building, with onlookers rushing to the scene. The Glória funicular, a 140-year-old electric transportation system, operates with two carriages that share a cable, allowing for the simultaneous transport of passengers uphill and downhill — a system that has served the community for generations.
Witnesses described a moment of terror when the upper carriage uncontrollably descended, nearly colliding with those in the lower carriage. Rasha Abdo recalled feeling the acceleration build as the brake failed, as passengers screamed upon impact.
Local residents and tourists expressed their shock over the incident, with many having recently considered taking the funicular just moments before the crash. Eric Packer, a visitor from the U.S., detailed how he and his friends had exited the area moments before the disaster, only hearing the crash as they moved away.
This tragic occurrence has left an indelible mark on Lisbon, prompting local authorities and the community to unite in support of the victims' families and those affected by this horrific event. It was a big tragedy; very hard to describe, said local tour guide Marianna Figueiredo, who rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts.
