Lisbon Funicular Crash Kills 16, Survivor Mourns Friend
Sonia Silva missed her routine ride on Lisbon’s Glória funicular, only to arrive moments later and learn her commuting partner was among the 16 killed in the derailment.
On Wednesday evening, Lisbon’s 140-year-old Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building, killing 16 passengers, including three British nationals. The accident has been described by Portugal’s prime minister as one of the greatest recent human tragedies.
Personal Loss
Sonia Silva, who works at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia charity near the funicular’s upper station, missed her usual ride after helping a coworker. When she arrived, she found the wreckage and learned that her friend, Sandra Coelho, was among the victims. “I feel grateful to be alive but furious that so many lives were lost,” Silva said, tears in her eyes.
Silva and Coelho shared daily conversations on the funicular, discussing work and personal stories. Colleagues gathered at a church service on Friday to honor the four charity employees killed in the crash, filling every pew as they mourned their friends.
Community Reaction
“It could have been any of us,” said Tania, another charity worker. “We always trusted this transport.” City councillor Rui Franco, who lost a close friend, spoke of his shock and anger at the accident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are probing the cause of the derailment. Witnesses cited possible cable tension issues and overcrowding. The rail workers’ union, Fectrans, said staff had reported braking difficulties due to cable tension problems.
The derailment of Lisbon’s historic funicular has shaken the community, claiming 16 lives and prompting urgent calls for improved safety checks.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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