Three British nationals among Lisbon crash dead, say Portuguese police

Three British nationals have been killed within the Lisbon funicular crash, Portuguese police have stated.

The victims, who haven’t been named, have been an 82-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 36-year-old girl, police stated.

The Glória funicular, a well-liked vacationer attraction, derailed and crashed right into a constructing on Wednesday, killing 16.

Greater than 20 individuals have been additionally injured, with 5 in a essential situation.

Nationals of Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Ukraine, France, and the US are additionally among the many lifeless, police stated.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated he’s “deeply saddened” to listen to that three British nationals died within the crash, Downing Avenue stated.

“His ideas are with their households and people affected by this horrible incident. We stand united with Portugal throughout this troublesome time,” a spokesperson stated.

It’s not recognized what triggered the crash. The capital’s public transport operator, Carris, stated all funiculars could be inspected and that it had launched an unbiased investigation.

The 140-year-old carriage derailed at round 18:15 native time (17:15 GMT) close to the town’s Avenida da Liberdade boulevard.

Greater than 60 rescue personnel raced to the scene to drag individuals from the wreckage.

Movies and pictures of the location confirmed an overturned, crumpled yellow carriage mendacity on the cobblestone avenue.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro known as the crash “one of many largest human tragedies of our latest historical past” and a nationwide day of mourning was declared.

Officers initially put the loss of life toll at 17 however the quantity was revised right down to 16.

A German citizen was believed to be among the many lifeless however was later found to have been in hospital in a single day.

Carris stated in a press release that it had complied with “all upkeep protocols”.

It stated that common upkeep came about each 4 years and was final carried out in 2022.

“Every thing was scrupulously revered,” firm head Pedro Bogas stated, including that upkeep of the funiculars had been carried out by a contractor for the previous 14 years.

A funicular is a kind of railway system that enables journey up and down steep slopes. In Lisbon, they’re a vital technique of navigating the town’s steep, cobbled streets.

Town’s funicular railways – Glória, Lavra, Bica and Graça – are a well-liked vacationer attraction, as the brilliant yellow tram-like autos snake by way of the hilly streets.

Glória was opened in 1885 and electrified three many years later.