Portugal is in mourning after a tragic incident when Lisbon's famous Glória funicular cable railway derailed, leading to the deaths of 16 people and injuring 23 others on Wednesday evening. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro updated the casualty figures, confirming the revised toll of 16 amidst emerging identities of the deceased.
The dead include seven men and eight women, with victims from Portugal, Britain, South Korea, Canada, the United States, Ukraine, Switzerland, and France. Among those who lost their lives is André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, the brake guard of the funicular, remembered fondly as a dedicated and kind professional by his employer, Carris.
Another victim, Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade, a former volleyball referee and member of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia organization, also lost his life in the crash. This charity organization reported that four of its employees were among the deceased.
A call for condolences has been echoed by various organizations and individuals, emphasizing the loss felt throughout the community. Reports indicate that the funicular is crucial for residents as well as tourists navigating Lisbon's steep terrain.
The aftermath of the incident has seen the suspension of all funicular services as investigations continue to determine the causes of the derailment. The Portuguese health service confirmed that among the injured, some cases are critical but efforts are being made to provide the necessary medical assistance.
The incident has elicited responses from multiple foreign ministries, affirming the global connection to the victims and highlighting the tragic realities of the crash. As the city responds to this disaster, the focus remains on supporting those affected and investigating the circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event.
