A devastating accident struck Portugal’s capital today when a historic funicular railway in Lisbon derailed, killing at least fifteen people and injuring dozens more. The crash happened on one of the city’s steep hillside routes connecting the Baixa district to Bairro Alto, an area popular with both commuters and tourists. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud metallic crash before the car slid violently down the incline, leaving a trail of devastation in its path.
Emergency services responded within minutes, with firefighters, paramedics, and police working frantically to pull survivors from the wreckage. Hospitals across the city activated emergency protocols to care for the injured, many of whom remain in critical condition. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise in the coming hours.
Prime Minister António Costa expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a dark day for Portugal. In a televised statement, he promised a full investigation into the causes of the derailment and pledged government support for victims and their families. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to visit the site later today to pay his respects and meet rescue teams.
Although the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities are considering mechanical failure, track damage, or possible human error. Lisbon’s funicular system, some of which dates back more than a century, has undergone modernization in recent decades, yet concerns about safety have occasionally resurfaced.
The accident has sent shockwaves through Lisbon, a city where the funiculars are regarded not just as transport but as a treasured part of local heritage. Residents gathered near the crash site to light candles and lay flowers, while flags across the city were lowered to half-mast in mourning. For many, the tragedy is a painful reminder that even the most iconic symbols of a city’s charm can be shadowed by devastating loss.
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