Cable car crash in Lisbon leaves 15 fatalities
In a shocking turn of events, the historic funicular "Elevador da Glória" in Lisbon derailed on Wednesday evening, resulting in a devastating accident in the heart of the Portuguese capital.
The derailment occurred at the Restauradores Square, a busy and vibrant area in the city center. Witnesses reported a loud noise as the funicular slid down the street, eventually crashing into a building.
The accident has left 15 people dead and 18 injured, according to the latest reports. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.
The President deeply regretted the accident and demanded a swift investigation by the competent authorities, while the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, described the incident as "a terrible evening for Lisbon."
The "Elevador da Glória," opened in 1885, is one of the three historic funiculars in Lisbon. It connects Praça dos Restauradores with the higher-lying neighborhood of Bairro Alto, covering a distance of around 200 meters. The funicular is primarily a tourist attraction, but it is also used by many locals.
The suspected cause of the derailment is a failure of the brakes, according to Carris, the operator of the funicular. However, the exact cause of the accident remains unknown. It is suspected that among the victims are foreign tourists, but the nationalities of the victims have not been confirmed yet.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly at the scene, with sirens wailing continuously. The spokesperson for the rescue teams stated that 18 people were injured. Television images showed the funicular lying on its side and heavily damaged.
The criminal police have initiated investigations at the scene of the accident, and the investigation is ongoing. The "Elevador da Glória" has not experienced such an accident before in Lisbon.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic event. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
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