Nederlands
English
Français
Deutsch
Español
Português
Tragic Accident on Lisbon's Historic Funicular
A devastating accident occurred in Lisbon today when one of the city's iconic yellow cable trams derailed and slid down a steep hill. The incident, which took place on the popular Gloria funicular route, has resulted in three confirmed fatalities and approximately twenty injuries, with several victims in critical condition.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Emergency services responded immediately to the scene, where the completely overturned tram caused significant devastation. Portuguese media reports indicate that passengers were trapped inside the wreckage, requiring extensive rescue efforts. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a written statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and confirming casualties.
Technical Failure Suspected
According to initial reports from public broadcaster RTP, the accident may have been caused by a cable becoming detached, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause. The historic funicular system, which has been operating since the late 19th century, undergoes regular maintenance, but the steep gradients of Lisbon's hills present significant operational challenges.
Tourist Attraction Impact
The Gloria cable car is one of Lisbon's most popular tourist attractions, carrying dozens of passengers up and down the city's steep hills. Portugal attracts over 600,000 Dutch tourists annually according to 2023 CBS statistics, though it remains unknown if any Dutch citizens were involved in today's tragedy.
The Lisbon tram system, established in 1873, features six lines covering 31 kilometers with 63 trams in operation, including historic "Remodelados" vehicles similar to the one involved in today's accident.
