OR Portugal mourns. The historical cable car Elevador da Gloria – which has been carrying locals and travelers for a century, giving generations of passenger images and memories – became a place of untold mourning after derailing and crashed on the streets of Lisbon.
The long -standing accident has claimed the life of at least 15 people. Eyewitnesses told local media that the Lisbon iconic wagon – a popular attraction for millions of tourists each year – seemed out of control as it descended downhill shortly after 6pm.
According to the Portuguese National Institute of Emergency Cases, five of the injured are in serious condition.
The characteristic yellow and white cable car, known as Elevador da Glória, is one of Lisbon’s most beloved attractions and has been operating since the 19th century. According to first information, Among the dead from the accident in Lisbon are also foreign nationals, However, their details or ethnicities have not been publicized.
Glória first operated the 1885 and was powered in 1915. It belongs to the three cable car lines managed by the Lisbon Municipal Company, Carris. The system is based on two wagons moving parallel, tied with steel wiring: lowering one pulls the other upwards. According to eyewitnesses, the cable car went down uncontrollable and struck a building on the road.
“He hit the building with a frightening power and dissolved like a cardboard box …” described the scene on the Portuguese network of SICs an eyewitness, Teresa D’Avo, referring to a vehicle that seemed to move without brakes.
Elevador da Glória – which is designated national monument – carries about 3 million passengers per year. His journey, just length 260 metersconnects Restauradores Square with the historic Bairro Alto district, known for its live nightlife.
Despite the short duration – about three minutes – the route is particularly popular with tourists, who often form long queues to enjoy the view of the city and the experience of a traditional tram on the cobblestones. For residents of Lisbon, however, it is also a daily means of moving to the capital’s uphill routes.
Following the tragedy, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Soussa, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moadas spoke in words that imprinted the climate of gravity: “Our city is mourning. This is a tragedy that we have never experienced before. “
Authorities have begun research on the causes of the accident, which is considered the worst in modern history of the Portuguese capital.