A funicular accident in Lisbon has left the city in shock, with 16 confirmed fatalities. Among the survivors is a three-year-old German boy, rescued from the wreckage of the funicular that crashed into a building.
More than 20 people were reported injured while the deceased included nationals from various countries, such as Canada, South Korea, and Britain. Initial reports indicated that a German citizen, presumed dead, was later found alive in a hospital.
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, prompting an investigation by the city's public transport operator, Carris, which has pledged to inspect all its funicular systems. In the aftermath, state funerals were organized for the victims, and a public outcry for a thorough investigation has ensued.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the incident. Local resident Mariana Figueiredo described moments of chaos as passengers began evacuating through windows amidst panic.
Authorities have since closed all funicular services until further notice, with inspections of the railway system being prioritized. The incident has raised urgent questions about safety measures for an essential transport service heavily relied upon by both residents and tourists in Lisbon.
In Lisbon's streets, an air of somberness prevails, as community members reflect on their loss and call for improved safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
