A funicular crash in Lisbon has left 16 people dead, sending shockwaves through the community. A three-year-old German boy was among the few who survived the horrifying incident, while over 20 others were injured.
The tragic accident involved multiple nationalities among the deceased, prompting an outpouring of grief across Portugal. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the crash, and the city's public transport operator has announced that all funiculars will undergo thorough inspections.
Lisbon's political leaders attended a memorial service at the Church of St. Dominic, where citizens called for strict safety measures. Witnesses recounted the chaotic moments of the crash, where many passengers were trapped within the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses described the panic as people leaped from windows of the derailing funicular. Local residents and tourists alike reflected on their close encounters with tragedy and shared stories of fear and disbelief.
As the city grieves and seeks answers, a renewed focus on safety has emerged, with calls for improved regulations on public transport systems, especially within busy tourist areas like Lisbon. The funicular, a staple for both locals and visitors navigating the steep streets, now raises pressing concerns about the safety of such vital transport links.