Tragic Accident on Lisbon’s Funicular Railway

On Wednesday, a devastating crash on Lisbon’s historic funicular railway resulted in at least 15 fatalities and 18 injuries.

Disturbing footage from the scene shows the streetcar, known as Gloria, overturned and badly damaged.

It’s unclear how many of the victims were tourists, as the funicular is a popular attraction for visitors.

“Lisbon is in mourning. It was a tragic accident…it’s a tragedy we’ve never seen,” said Mayor Carlos Modus.

Emergency responders were seen retrieving victims from the wreckage of a yellow and white tram that lay on its side.

The cause of the collision, which involved over 40 passengers, is still under investigation. Reports suggest that an overhead cable may have loosened, causing the tram to lose control and crash into a nearby building.

Emergency services were dispatched shortly after 6 PM local time during the evening rush hour, deploying around 62 personnel and 22 vehicles to the scene.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebello de Sousa expressed his condolences to those affected.

The Gloria funicular, a public transport option since 1885 and electrified in 1915, stands as one of Lisbon’s most recognizable landmarks.