Portugal is observing a national day of mourning after at least 15 people were killed when a funicular cable railway derailed and hit a building in Lisbon
Eighteen others have been injured, with five in a serious condition – authorities said last night a child had sustained “minor wounds”
Local media reports suggest a cable came loose along the railway’s route, causing it to lose control – a joint investigation between the police and the company that runs the 140-year-old Gloria funicular is under way
The railway, which opened in the 19th Century, connects Lisbon’s downtown with the upper quarter, and is popular with tourists
Tourism is central to Portugal’s economy, especially Lisbon’s, this will horrify people, writes our correspondent in the Portuguese capital
