Lisbon Gloria Funicular: 15 killed as train derails with 'blood everywhere'
Officials have confirmed foreigners are among at least 15 people killed after the Gloria Funicular train derailed in Lisbon, Portugal, but are yet to say whether any were British
Passengers were left "covered in blood" after a train derailed in Portugal and smashed into a building, killing more than a dozen people including foreigners.
Portugal’s National Institute of Medical Emergencies confirmed non-Portuguese people were among the 15 killed in the Gloria Funicular derailment. Officials are yet to say if any British or Irish nationals are among the fatalities. As well as the 15 deaths, officials are now saying the number of seriously injured people stands at 18 and 13 others have suffered minor injuries.
It is not yet clear when police or other local authorities will release information on the nationalities of those caught up in the tragedy at the major Lisbon tourist attraction.
Witnesses said the building the funicular smashed into is a hotel, and that they saw victims "covered in blood". One said: “The police took less than five minutes to arrive and told us to get back and the first ambulances started arriving five minutes later.
“One of the victims I saw was cut all over the place and covered in blood. A lot of people appeared to be unconscious." The incident has left local residents in shock, including the mayor of Lisbon, who has already proclaimed three days of mourning in a post on X.
Carlos Moedas said: "I extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends of the victims. Lisbon is in mourning." The Gloria Funicular, which opened in the 19th century, is a vital mode of transport as it connects the city's downtown with its tourist haven upper quarter.
The vehicle is believed to have derailed at around 6.05pm, and emergency services have remained on the scene into the night at the crash site in Avenida da Liberdade.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, said he "deeply regrets" the "fatalities and serious injuries" sustained in the crash.
The President added that he "expresses his condolences and solidarity with the families affected by this tragedy" and hopes for clarity around the incident from authorities soon.
Authorities are yet to conclude what may have caused the incident, although early speculation has settled on an issue with the funicular's breaking system.