“The fund is intended to cover the expenses of those affected by the accident, and it was clearly stated by the mayor and myself that there is total willingness to establish the fund if necessary,” said Filipe Anacoreta Correia (CDS-PP), noting that currently, this necessity has not been observed as insurance companies are covering all expenses.
The derailment of the Glória funicular, managed by the municipal company Carris, occurred on September 3, resulting in 16 fatalities and injuring approximately 20 people, including both Portuguese and international victims.
The Deputy Mayor of Lisbon was speaking after an extraordinary meeting to update information regarding the accident involving the Glória funicular. The meeting was also attended by the mayor, Carlos Moedas (PSD), who did not make statements to the press.
The meeting was scheduled at the request of councillors from PS, Livre, BE and Citizens for Lisbon (elected by the PS/Livre coalition), seeking “clarifications on falsehoods, omissions, and inconsistencies.”
The request was initially for a meeting on September 25, but the mayor decided to hold it today, the day after municipal elections, “to avoid politicizing a topic that must be technically clarified.”
After this third extraordinary meeting on the accident, which included the presence of Carris’s president, Pedro Bogas, PS councillor Pedro Anastácio emphasized the priority of ensuring support for the victims and their families.
“What we want are guarantees of total commitment to support the victims and their families, and we were told that the fund has not yet progressed, without denying the willingness to implement it. We were informed that, so far, the insurance company has taken responsibility for covering all expenses,” stated the Socialist, considering it “positive” that support is reaching those affected.
The Deputy Mayor reinforced that the insurers have shown “complete openness and a great commitment” to addressing the needs of the victims, stating that “there are no economic, financial, or contractual considerations from the insurers” and that the main insurer, Fidelidade, has assumed responsibility.
“I would like to note that the legally required coverage for Carris is 7.5 million euros, but Carris has contracted coverage up to 50 million euros by paying for it, so we have extensive coverage. All personal expenses are covered. Compensation will naturally be ensured, following the necessary steps, and I know that in some cases, reconciliation possibilities are already being pursued,” added Filipe Anacoreta Correia.
The CDS-PP representative also stressed that, so far, insurance companies are committed to ensuring the payment of all expenses and doing so “as quickly as possible,” reiterating that there is currently no need for the municipality to create a support fund.
“We should not save money for the insurers. It is their duty to meet these needs,” he emphasized.
