Sudden insight on the brink of despair potentially averted a train wreck for a young traveller
In the heart of Lisbon, Portugal's capital, a tragic event unfolded on September 3rd. The cable car "Elevador da Gloria," one of the city's most famous tourist attractions, derailed and overturned, resulting in 16 deaths and numerous injuries.
Merlin Isabo, a German student studying journalism, found himself in the midst of this unfortunate incident. On September 1st, Merlin had arrived in Lisbon for a semester abroad, eager to explore the city's rich culture and history.
On the fateful day of the accident, Merlin and three fellow students were at the lower station of the cable car stop Praca dos Restauradores. Merlin had heard sirens in the city before learning about the accident, and it was only later that he discovered he had been at the accident site just about an hour before it occurred.
Thankfully, Merlin and his friends had decided to walk up to the upper town instead of taking the cable car. They had initially planned to visit the "Elevador da Gloria" as part of their sightseeing tour.
The cause of the cable car derailment remains unknown. The steel cable that runs between the tracks, which pulls the cable car, is a crucial part of its operation, and any malfunction could lead to such a catastrophic event.
The aftermath of the accident was palpable. The next day, when Merlin and his friends returned to the lower station, it was still full of reporters and TV crews. The tragic event had sent shockwaves throughout the city and beyond, with Merlin receiving numerous messages from family and friends in Germany asking if he's safe.
Sadly, it was reported that a German person is presumed to be among the victims who died in the accident, although their identity has not been definitively confirmed. Two Germans were reported among the injured.
Merlin, being a student of journalism, felt a sense of responsibility to document the event. He shared his experience, expressing relief that he didn't take the cable car but worrying about those who weren't as lucky. He expressed his sympathies to the victims and their families, hoping for a swift resolution to the cause of the accident and for the injured to make a full recovery.
The "Elevador da Gloria" connects Lisbon's upper and lower towns, with many paths being steep. It is a vital part of the city's transportation system, and its current state serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety and maintenance.
As the investigation into the accident continues, Lisbon and the world await answers. For Merlin Isabo, the experience has been a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
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