Tragic Lisbon funicular accident claims lives of immensely skilled British pair, who were admired for motivating the up-and-coming generation.
In a heart-wrenching incident, three British nationals, including a renowned theatre director and a lecturer from Manchester's Arden School of Theatre, lost their lives in a funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal. The incident, described by Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro as "one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past", claimed a total of 16 lives, with 21 others injured, including five seriously.
The British victims were identified as Kayleigh Smith, a theatre director at MADS Theatre in Macclesfield, and Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester's Arden School of Theatre. Kayleigh Smith, an award-winning director and an award-nominated actress, was a dear friend to many at MADS Theatre and will be greatly missed. Her contributions to MADS Theatre and drama in the North West were considerable, holding positions such as past vice-chair, membership secretary, and head of tech.
Will Nelson, too, was remembered as a highly talented member of the theatre community. He was dedicated to inspiring the next generation of artists. The teacher from Manchester's Arden School of Theatre who died in the disaster and has not yet been named was also a cherished member of the theatre community.
Tim Roca, Macclesfield MP, paid tribute to Kayleigh Smith and Will Nelson, expressing his condolences to their families and friends. MADS Theatre in Macclesfield also posted a heartfelt tribute for Kayleigh Smith and Will Nelson after their deaths.
The Gloria funicular, a 140-year-old electrified railway that features two separate yellow carriages and travels between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto area, came off the rails, resulting in one of the carriages crashing into a building. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of five Portuguese nationals, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss, and one Ukrainian. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of all those affected by this devastating incident.
The incident has shaken the theatre community in both Portugal and the UK. The loss of such talented individuals is a significant blow, and their legacy will live on through the countless lives they have touched and inspired.
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