A funicular crash in Lisbon killed 16 people and injured more than 20 others yesterday evening. The funicular car smashed into a building after careering down a steep hill in the Portuguese capital.
An investigation has been launched into what caused the disaster. Portugal's Prime Minister described the incident as one of the "biggest tragedies" in the country's recent history.
The Mayor of Lisbon said his city needs answers following the deadly crash. Emergency services responded to the scene as rescue operations continued into the night.
National Response
Portugal declared a national day of mourning in response to the tragedy, according to the Morning Star. The government's response reflects the scale of the disaster and its impact on the nation.
The Morning Star reports that the 19th-century funicular is a major tourist attraction usually packed with sightseers. The historic transport system operates on Lisbon's steep hills and attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.
International Impact
A German tourist family was among the victims, with a three-year-old child injured in the crash, the Daily Mail reports. The incident highlights the international nature of those affected by the disaster.
The Morning Star describes the crash as Lisbon's worst accident in recent history. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Portugal's tourism sector and raised questions about safety measures for historic transport systems.
Sources used: "Channel4", "Morning Star", "Daily Mail", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
