Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson, a drama lecturer, have been named as British victims of the Lisbon funicular crash. MADS Theatre in Macclesfield posted a tribute on Friday night acknowledging their deaths, writing that Ms Smith was 'a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed'.
The Glória funicular, a popular tourist attraction, derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday, killing 16, with other victims hailing from Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Ukraine, France, and the US. A third British victim has yet to be named.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his deep sadness at the news, stating that his thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic incident. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro referred to the incident as 'one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history,' and a national day of mourning has been declared.
The cause of the crash remains uncertain as investigations begin. The 140-year-old Glória funicular collapsed at around 18:15 local time near Avenida da Liberdade, leading to a rapid response from over 60 rescue personnel. Video footage from the scene depicts a crumpled, overturned carriage amidst scattered debris. Carris, the public transport operator, ensured compliance with maintenance protocols over the years, with the last inspection conducted in 2022.
Lisbon's funiculars, including the Glória, are vital for navigating the city's steep streets, with the Glória line having been operational since 1885. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus now shifts to understanding how such a catastrophic event could happen.
The Glória funicular, a popular tourist attraction, derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday, killing 16, with other victims hailing from Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Ukraine, France, and the US. A third British victim has yet to be named.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his deep sadness at the news, stating that his thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic incident. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro referred to the incident as 'one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history,' and a national day of mourning has been declared.
The cause of the crash remains uncertain as investigations begin. The 140-year-old Glória funicular collapsed at around 18:15 local time near Avenida da Liberdade, leading to a rapid response from over 60 rescue personnel. Video footage from the scene depicts a crumpled, overturned carriage amidst scattered debris. Carris, the public transport operator, ensured compliance with maintenance protocols over the years, with the last inspection conducted in 2022.
Lisbon's funiculars, including the Glória, are vital for navigating the city's steep streets, with the Glória line having been operational since 1885. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus now shifts to understanding how such a catastrophic event could happen.
