Lisbon: Two South Koreans were among the victims in a tragic funicular railway crash in Portugal, which resulted in at least 16 fatalities, as reported by Seoul's foreign ministry. The incident has sent shockwaves through both the South Korean and Portuguese communities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the victims included a South Korean man and woman, while another South Korean woman is currently in intensive care after undergoing surgery. The South Korean foreign ministry is actively engaging with local authorities in Portugal, offering support to the injured and reaching out to the families of the deceased.
The deadly accident took place on Wednesday when a tram-like car on Lisbon's Gloria funicular line descended uncontrollably down a hill, derailed, and crashed into a building. Local authorities confirmed that the crash resulted in at least 16 deaths and 22 injuries. Among the deceased, besides the two South Koreans, were five Portuguese nationals, one American, and one Swiss citizen.
In response to the tragic event, Portugal declared a day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-staff, and people laid flowers at the crash site to honor the victims. The Gloria funicular is a well-known tourist attraction that navigates the steep slopes of Lisbon, connecting the downtown area of the Portuguese capital.