A tragic accident occurred in Lisbon when a funicular system derailed, leading to the deaths of 16 individuals. Among the survivors was a three-year-old boy from Germany who was rescued from the wreckage.
The crash caused injuries to over 20 people, prompting a swift response from emergency services. National authorities confirmed that victims included citizens from several countries, including Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, France, Britain, Ukraine, and the U.S. Initially reported dead, a German citizen was later found alive in a hospital.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the city's public transport operator, Carris, announcing that all funiculars would be subjected to inspections and that an independent investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the aftermath, Portugal's political leaders gathered for a memorial service at the Church of St Dominic in honor of those who lost their lives. Community members expressed their shock and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the accident to ensure public safety on transport systems.
Eyewitness accounts detail the horror of the crash, with some reporting seeing individuals jumping from windows in desperation. Local residents and tourists alike expressed their disbelief at the sudden tragedy, reflecting on how it has altered their perception of safety in their daily travels.
As Lisbon begins to mourn and process the events, the implications for the future of public transport safety loom large.
