The tragic death of Kayleigh Smith, a British theatre director, and her partner, Will Nelson, a drama lecturer, has drawn attention to the grievous accident that occurred in Lisbon's popular Glória funicular. This funicular, a key transport system in the city's steep hillside, derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday, leading to the deaths of 16 people, including nationals from multiple countries.
A tribute from MADS Theatre in Macclesfield praised Smith as a 'dear friend to many,' highlighting the profound impact of her loss. The accident, initially estimated to have claimed 17 lives, prompted a national day of mourning in Portugal and has sparked an urgent investigation into the incident.
The Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Keir Starmer, expressed his condolences to the families affected, emphasizing a united front with Portugal during this difficult time. As the investigation unfolds, the public transport operator Carris has announced thorough inspections of all funiculars in the city, maintaining that their maintenance protocols have been strictly followed.
Witnesses to the incident described harrowing scenes as rescue personnel worked to free victims from the wreckage of the crumpled yellow carriage, which had been a staple of Lisbon for 140 years. Officials are working swiftly to understand the cause of the derailment as they await further details.
The Glória funicular, operational since 1885, is not just a convenient means of traversing the city's slopes; it is also a part of the cultural fabric of Lisbon, making this incident even more poignant for residents and visitors alike.
