😢 On Wednesday, tragedy struck Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular when the cable railway derailed and crashed into a building, leaving at least 15 people dead and 18 injured, according to the National Institute of Medical Emergency.
This steep rail car — a must-see for first-timers exploring the Alfama district — plunged off its tracks mid-ride. Emergency crews rushed to the narrow streets of Lisbon, setting up temporary medical stations and working through the night. 🚑
Portugal has declared a national day of mourning as authorities launch a full investigation into what went wrong. Early reports are still sketchy, but questions are already being raised about maintenance checks and safety protocols.
For many young travellers in South and Southeast Asia, riding a funicular is a bucket-list adventure — from the Peak Tram in the Hong Kong region to the hill lifts around Genting Highlands in Malaysia or the heritage lines of Shimla in India. This incident is a stark reminder to stay vigilant about safety wherever you roam.
Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time. We'll keep you updated as more details emerge. 🙏
Reference(s):
Live: Emergency crews work at funicular rail car crash site in Lisbon
cgtn.com