Portugal is observing a day of national mourning today after yesterday's funicular accident in Lisbon, which killed 15 people and injured 18, AFP reported.
The funicular on the "Gloria" line, opened in 1885, is a popular tourist attraction. It connects the area of the "Restaurants" square in the center of Lisbon with the "Barrio Alto" district, known for its lively nightlife, which is on one of Lisbon's hills.
According to initial information, one of the funicular cables broke and it went down, went off the rails and hit a house. The causes of the incident are still unclear and an investigation is underway.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences to the victims' relatives.
"This is a tragic day for our city. Lisbon is grieving, this is a tragic, tragic incident," said Mayor Carlos Moedas.
The funiculars in Lisbon are a popular attraction for tourists. In addition to the "Glória", the "Bica" and "Lavra" funiculars are famous, as well as the elevator with a panoramic platform at the top of "Santa Justa". They stand out with their yellow color, similar to that of Lisbon's trams.