The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed his sorrow over the accident involving the Glória elevator in Lisbon, which took place on Wednesday afternoon.
“The President of the Republic profoundly laments the accident this afternoon with the Glória elevator (funicular) in Lisbon, particularly the fatalities and severe injuries, as well as the various minor injuries,” the statement reads on the Presidency’s website.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also extended “his condolences and solidarity to the families affected by this tragedy and hopes that the incident is promptly clarified by the competent authorities.”
Notícias ao Minuto is attempting to confirm whether there are any fatalities.
This afternoon, the Glória elevator derailed on Calçada da Glória in Lisbon.
The Lisbon Fire Brigade confirmed to Notícias ao Minuto that injuries have been reported and the alert was raised at 6:06 PM.
Contacted by Lusa at 6:30 PM, Civil Protection Director Margarida Castro Martins reported at least 20 injuries, including two in critical condition, five minor, and several trapped.
Images shared on social media show the vehicle overturned, suggesting significant violence. The vehicle reportedly derailed after a cable broke, and subsequently collided with a nearby building, according to information provided by firefighters to Notícias ao Minuto.
Public transport company Carris, which manages the Glória elevator in Lisbon, confirmed that it has “activated all resources” and is present at the scene with its teams.
In a statement sent to Lusa, the company said it “immediately contacted emergency and security forces.”
“The priority is to monitor the situation and all those involved,” it emphasized.
[News updated at 7:26 PM]
