3 dead, around 20 injured in Lisbon funicular derailment

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) -At least three people were killed and around 20 others injured on Wednesday when Lisbon's historic Gloria funicular derailed and crashed into a building, local media reported.

The accident occurred shortly after 6.00 pm local time (1600GMT) as the funicular was descending from the Sao Pedro de Alcantara viewpoint toward Restauradores, according to the daily Diario de Noticias.

A source from the Public Security Police (PSP) confirmed three fatalities and about 20 injuries.

Speaking to news agency Lusa, Civil Protection director Margarida Castro Martins said two people are in critical condition, five sustained minor injuries, and several remain trapped.

Emergency teams and police officers are at the scene on Rua da Gloria, assisting victims.

The Judicial Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment and whether criminal factors were involved.

In a statement, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he "deeply regretted the accident, particularly the fatalities and serious injuries, as well as the several minor injuries."

He expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims' families, saying he hoped the incident would be clarified quickly by authorities.