Funicular Gloria on Lisbon's streets Photo: Transport of Delight / Alamy / Profimedia
The famous Portuguese funicular “Gloria” derailed in the capital of Portugal on Wednesday, and so far there are at least 20 victims, of which three dead, informs Reuters, citing a rescue team balance, reports News.ro. Subsequently, CNN Portugal reported that the number of the dead reached 15.
The images filmed on the spot show the funicular, similar to a tram and very popular among tourists, carrying people on a hill in the Portuguese capital, completely destroyed.
“What we can say at this time is that there are several victims,” the head of the firefighter from Lisbon told Reuters.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa lamented the tragic accident in a statement, expressing the hope that the authorities will soon determine the causes of the accident.
Close-up Footage Shows Lisbon's iconic Funicular Gloria, Also Known as the Elevador da Glória, after it derailed, Leaving at Least Three Dead and 20 Injured.
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The line, inaugurated in 1885 and electrified three years later, connects the center of Lisbon, near Restoadores Square, Bairro Alto (upper neighborhood), famous for his vibrant night life. The Gloria funicular is one of the most famous tourist attractions and attractions in Lisbon. The legendary funicular is an essential part of a city with as injured land as Lisbon. They make their way on many of the cobbled streets of the Portuguese capital. The funicular who derailed was racing in just three minutes.
The funicular is operated by the Municipal Public Transport Company Carris. Its two wagons are attached to the opposite ends of a transport cable, the traction being provided by electric motors on the two wagons. It seems that the car at the end of the line was not damaged, but CNN Portugal said the passengers had to jump on the windows when the incident was produced.
According to the BBC, 43 people seem to be on board at the time of the accident, which took place near Avenida da Libedade around 6:05 pm (20:05, Romania time). It is not known whether the deceased persons are Portuguese or foreign citizens.
The Portuguese newspaper Observedor wrote that a cable was detached on the railway route, which made it unbalance and hit a nearby building. Sixty-two members of emergency services and 22 vehicles were on the spot, according to the website of civil protection.
