In the wake of a tragic accident that claimed 16 lives and injured over 20 people of various nationalities, a member of the Lisbon City Council expressed deep condolences. “On behalf of the PCP councilors, on behalf of CDU, I express our profound and heartfelt condolences to the victims of this tragedy, 16 of whom lost their lives, alongside more than 20 injured, and I wish a swift recovery to all those hospitalized,” said the communist councilor this afternoon at the entrance of the Lisbon City Hall.
The accident, which resulted in the death of 16 individuals and left around two dozen injured, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation. The communist councilor emphasized the urgency of establishing the causes and responsibilities, criticizing the decision to privatize and outsource maintenance services.
“The choice to privatize and outsource maintenance services altered a reality that had existed for over a hundred years. For more than a century, Carris workers ensured not only the operation of these facilities but also their regular maintenance. This allowed a company culture, knowledge, and expertise to be passed down from generation to generation,” he stressed.
João Ferreira recalled that shortly after the outsourcing, workers raised concerns about maintenance issues, citing the elevator accident at Bica and the derailment of the Glória elevator in 2018, which, though not severe, “resulted from wheel wear.”
“It’s not about anticipating conclusions, which only the responsibility-determining process might allow us to draw, but this cannot be sidelined from the discussion now necessary. We will bring several concerns and aspects to be discussed. In this regard, the extraordinary City Council meeting, to be held next Monday at the initiative of PCP councilors and convened today, plays an important role,” he pointed out.
The councilor further advocated for “quick inspections” of the Bica, Lavra, and Santa Justa elevators to “restore the necessary tranquility and safety to the public.”
The Glória elevator in Lisbon derailed on Wednesday at 18:04.
The government declared a day of national mourning today, while the Lisbon City Council adopted three days of municipal mourning.
The Glória elevator connects Restauradores to the São Pedro de Alcântara Garden in Bairro Alto, covering a distance of about 265 meters, and is a popular attraction for tourists.
