What do we know about fatal derailment

One of the most emblematic tourist attractions of Lisbon, Gloria Funacular, derailed and crashed on Wednesday night.

At least 15 people were killed and 18 more wounded, some critically, local authorities said.

It is not yet clear what caused the carriage to derail.

Here’s all we know so far:

The crash happened around 18:05 on Wednesday, near Lisbon Avenda to Librade, according to local authorities.

More than 60 emergency officers and 22 vehicles were deployed at the scene.

Officials said it was too early to determine the cause of the incident. However, the Portuguese Observador newspaper announced that the cable loosens along the railway route, which causes it to lose control and collide with the nearby building.

Images and footage from the scene showed the overturned yellow carriage, which looked almost completely destroyed.

People could see each other running away from the area as the smoke covered the cobblestone street.

The Portugal Emergency Medical Authority said at least 15 people had been killed and another 18 were injured.

Five of the wounded were in serious condition, the message said. The other thirteen, involving a child, suffered minor injuries.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Modas said the victims were taken to hospital.

Some of the killed are foreign citizens, authorities said.

Since then, several people trapped in the place have been released, the medical authority said.

Gloria Funicular can carry up to 43 passengers and is extremely popular with tourists.

It is not known how many people were on board during the clash.

The funicular is a type of rail system that allows you to travel up and down steep slopes.

In Lisbon, the funnelists are among the most sought after tourist attractions. Bright yellow vehicles are a crucial means of navigating steep, cobblestone streets in the city.

Gloria Funaslar – the railway line on which the collision took place – was discovered in 1885 and electrified three decades later.

He travels about 275 meters (900 feet) from restaurants, a square in the center of Lisbon, to the picturesque streets of Bayro Alto. Travel only takes three minutes.

Unlike traditional casserolers, the two Gloria Funicular cars are powered by electric motors.

They are attached to the opposite ends of the transport cable, which means that while one travels down, his weight lifts the other, allowing them to climb and descend at the same time.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Modas has announced three days on a municipal mourning for the victims of the incident.

By posting to X, he said, “I continue my heartfelt condolences to all the victims and friends of the victims. Lisbon is in mourning.”

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was “horrified by the horrible incident”.

“All our affection and solidarity with the families of the victims and with the Portuguese people at this difficult time,” he wrote in a statement about X.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebello de Susa said he was “deeply sorry for” deaths and serious injuries “caused by the crash.

In a statement, he expressed his “condolences and solidarity with the families affected by this tragedy” and soon hoped for clarity around the incident by the authorities.

Pedro Bogas of Caris, a tram company in Lisbon, told reporters that it was “a very sad day, not only for the victims but also for their families.”

“We have strict protocols, excellent professionals for many years and we have to get to the bottom of what happened,” he added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote to X: “I have sadly learned about derailting the famous Evidor to Gloria. My condolences to the victims’ families.”