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A derailed funicular in Lisbon crashed into a building Wednesday evening, killing 17 people and injuring 21 others, prompting Portugal to declare a day of national mourning Thursday, while the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed condolences for the victims of the tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the funicular crash that occurred yesterday (Sept. 3) in Lisbon, Portugal," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in its statement.
"We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Portugal," the statement added.
The yellow Gloria funicular veered off its tracks on a steep stretch near Liberty Avenue in one of Lisbon's most popular tourist areas, careening down a 265-meter slope before crashing into a corner building with what witnesses described as brutal force.
Fifteen people—eight men and seven women—died instantly at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital overnight, according to Margarida Martins, head of the city's emergency services.
Abel Esteves, 75, a Lisbon resident who was among 40 passengers in another funicular car at the bottom of the hill, witnessed the derailed carriage speeding toward them.
"When I saw another carriage coming down, I told my wife: 'We're all going to die here,'" Esteves said, adding: "It picked up a brutal speed, took a slight turn and hit the building with a loud bang."
A woman interviewed by television channel SIC said the train, which can hold about 40 people, struck the building "with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box."
Emergency services confirmed that 11 foreigners were among the injured:
The German Foreign Ministry stated it "must assume that German citizens are also among those who have been affected," though reliable numbers were not immediately available. The Observador news website, citing a police source, reported that a German man was killed, his wife was in critical condition, and their 3-year-old child was slightly injured.
Lisbon prosecutors opened an investigation into the accident. Pedro Bogas, head of public transport operator Lisbon Carris, insisted at the accident site that "all maintenance protocols have been carried out" and "everything was scrupulously respected."
According to Carris:
Manuel Leal, leader of the Fectrans union, told local television that workers on the Gloria railway had complained about problems with the funicular's haulage cable tension that made braking difficult, though he noted it was too early to determine if this caused the crash.
The Gloria funicular, which first entered service in 1885 and was electrified in 1915, is one of Lisbon's most iconic tourist attractions. The line transports approximately 3 million people annually, connecting the downtown area near Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto district, famous for its nightlife.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called the incident "a tragedy that our city has never seen."
Municipal civil protection spokeswoman Margarida Castro confirmed that authorities halted Lisbon's three other funiculars "to check the conditions and safety of their operations."
Portugal declared one day of national mourning Thursday, with flags flying at half-mast, while Lisbon announced three days of mourning for the victims.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office stated the tragedy had "brought grief to families and dismay to the country." European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen offered condolences to the victims' families.
The accident struck at the heart of Lisbon's tourism sector, which has experienced significant growth over the past decade. The funiculars are not only practical transportation but also popular souvenirs depicted on gift shop items throughout the city.
The Gloria line's two cars, attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by electric motors, typically counterbalance each other. As the cable apparently snapped, the descending car lost its braking ability and derailed on a turn.
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