“In the first place, it is something that changed the city forever. It is something that changed me as well forever. I will go to the very end of all possibilities to find out what happened. The preliminary report is very clear, they are technical causes, and therefore we have to ascertain them, but we have to wait for what the outcome of the investigation is,” stated Carlos Moedas, during a campaign action for the local elections on October 12.
The derailment of the Gloria elevator, managed by the municipal company Carris, occurred on September 3, resulting in 16 deaths and two dozen injuries, among Portuguese and foreigners of various nationalities.
Following the accident, Carlos Moedas argued that “it would be cowardly” to resign, while the candidate Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN) called for clarifications “with calmness.”
Amid a street campaign between Campo Pequeno and Saldanha, attended by IL’s president, Mariana Leitão, the candidate of the coalition “Por ti, Lisboa,” which includes PSD, CDS-PP, and IL, responded to journalists’ questions about the Gloria elevator tragedy, on the day marking one month since the accident, the causes of which are still under investigation.
When questioned about complaints of lack of contact with survivors of the accident and victims’ relatives, Carlos Moedas assured: “I contacted all the families of the people who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. My team has been with all the people, they are all receiving full support.”
The social democrat further stated that the victims’ families “know they can and will always be received,” as they “have an open door” from Lisbon City Council, explaining that “the first priority” was with the families of those who died in the Gloria elevator accident.
“I truly took special care of all the families who lost their loved ones. They were indeed the first priority. It was with them that I spoke from the first day. I continue to speak with all the families, and they know they have my affection, our support,” assured the PSD mayor, reinforcing that the Lisbon City Council is available to assist the victims’ families whenever needed.
The Gloria elevator accident was discussed in two extraordinary meetings of the Lisbon City Council, on September 8 and 16, and a new discussion is scheduled for October 13, the day after the local elections, as decided by Carlos Moedas, “to avoid politicizing a topic that deserves full technical clarification.”
On Thursday, the municipal company Carris assured that it had initiated measures to support the victims of the Gloria elevator derailment and emphasized its collaboration with the entities investigating the accident.
In a statement, Carris highlighted that the priority, “from the very first moment, was to provide all the support to the victims and their families, through its Social Support Office and in close coordination with the Lisbon City Council and the insurance company Fidelidade.”
Among the measures adopted, the company highlighted psychological support and material assistance to the family of guard Andre Marques, including funeral expenses and granting a school scholarship to his children, as well as support to other involved workers.
Carris’ insurer also ensured the repatriation and funeral services of six foreign victims and is reimbursing the families of five others.
In the case of the five Portuguese fatalities, processes are being conducted under occupational accident legislation.
Regarding the seriously injured, of various nationalities, repatriation to hospitals in their respective countries has been organized, with medical escort and psychological support guaranteed by the insurer.
Meanwhile, the slightly injured have maintained contact with the insurer for injury monitoring and needs identification, the transport company reported.
Additionally, Carris stated it is cooperating with ongoing inquiries by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Rail Accidents (GPIAAF) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, having also initiated an internal inquiry and an independent external audit.
