Portugal is in shock after 15 people were killed in popping from the rails 140 years of the old funicular Gloria, one of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon. Another 18 people were transported to the hospital, five of whom in a serious state, emergency services were confirmed, writes BBC News.
The authorities said that it was among the killings in an accident, which happened yesterday at around 18:05, either foreign nationals, but their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
Mayor Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, visited the hospital and called the accident “tragic moment for the city”. The Portuguese government declared the day of national mourning, and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed “Sucut and Solidarity with the families affected by this tragedy”.
Investigation in progress
Police and emergency services have spent hours at the scene, and several investigations were launched on the cause of the accident. The investigation conducts a company that manages the funnier, the National Administration for Security and Criminal Police.
From the Lisbon Public Carrier, Carris said that all regular examinations – a large four-year, temporary two-year, as well as daily, weekly and monthly checks were performed.
“She hit in a brutal force building”
Despite regular checks, eyewitnesses suggest that the brake system has canceled, which made the funicular rushing down the steep street uncontrollably and stumbled into the building.
A few people were left trapped in the wreck and the rescuers had to release them. The recordings that have expanded to social networks show bright yellow to raise overturned and completely destroyed. One witness for Portuguese newspapers Observador said the vehicle was “out of control, without brakes.”
“We all started running because we thought he would hit the one below,” Teresa d’Avó said. “But she flew in a bandage and stabbed into the building.” The second witness said for the TV channel, Sic that the funicular was lowered down the steep street “full speed.” “She hit a brutal force building and collapsed as a cardboard box, she had no brakes,” she said.
The symbol of Lisbon
Closer Gloria is one of the most famous sights of Lisbon. It was opened in 1885. years, and electrified for three decades later. Her famous yellow vehicles are a key part of the transport in the hilly part of Lisbon.
The route where an accident occurred is about 275 meters long and connects Restauradores Square with picturesque Bairro Altom. Although local residents are also used, it is extremely popular among tourists
. European leaders reacted to the accident. The President of the European Commission Ursula von Der Leyen expressed complicity to the families of the victims, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “horrified by a terrible accident.”
(Type / Source: Index.hr/Foto: X)
