Two Canadians Missing Following Lisbon Funicular Derailment

Two Canadians are confirmed missing following a tragic funicular derailment in Lisbon, Portugal, on March 13, 2024. The incident, which occurred during the evening rush hour, resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and left 21 others injured, with five in critical condition. Global Affairs Canada has stated that consular officials are working closely with local authorities to gather further information regarding the missing Canadians.

Investigation Underway into Causes of the Incident

On March 14, investigators began examining the wreckage of the Elevador da Gloria, a popular tourist attraction in downtown Lisbon. The funicular, which carries passengers up one of the city’s steep hills, derailed unexpectedly, leading to widespread shock and mourning. According to the national investigative police, there is a “high possibility” that the victims include not only the two Canadians but also one American, one German, and one Ukrainian, in addition to five Portuguese, two South Koreans, and a Swiss national.

“Portugal mourns this tragedy that transcends our borders,” stated Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, during a press briefing, describing the event as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.” In response to the incident, the country observed a national day of mourning on March 14.

The head of the National Forensic Medicine Institute, Francisco Corte-Real, reported that all 16 autopsies had been completed, although the identification of three victims remains pending due to the need for dental records or family DNA, which are located abroad.

Casualties and Responses from Officials

Among the injured, the ages range from a three-year-old child to adults aged 65. The injuries affected a diverse group of individuals from various nations, including Spaniards, Israelis, Brazilians, Italians, and French citizens. The executive director of Portugal’s National Health Service, Alvaro Santos Almeida, confirmed that the streetcar was crowded at the time of the accident, which aligns with Lisbon’s booming tourism numbers. The city welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists last year, making attractions like the Elevador da Gloria particularly busy.

The operator of Lisbon’s streetcars and buses, Carris, announced that it is conducting its own investigation into the incident. Pedro de Brito Bogas, the CEO of Carris, explained that the streetcar underwent a full maintenance program the previous year and received daily visual inspections. The last inspection occurred just nine hours before the derailment, though specifics of the checks have not been disclosed.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the streetcar collided with a building. A British tourist, Felicity Ferriter, recounted hearing a “horrendous crash” shortly after arriving at her hotel nearby. She expressed how close she felt to the tragedy, stating, “It could have been us.” Another witness said the streetcar appeared to lack brakes as it careened into the building, which resulted in significant damage.

In light of the incident, Lisbon’s city council has halted operations of three other historic funiculars while thorough inspections are conducted. The city’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, emphasized the need for answers, asserting that speculation about the causes of the derailment is premature.

The European Union also expressed condolences, with flags at the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels flying at half-staff. The investigation is expected to be thorough, with preliminary reports anticipated within the next few weeks.

As the search continues for the missing Canadians, the impact of this tragedy resonates far beyond Lisbon, highlighting the vulnerabilities that can arise in even the most frequented tourist spots.