How a Missed Lisbon Funicular Ride Changed Everything: A Personal Story of Loss and Reflection

As Sonia Silva left work on Wednesday evening, a colleague asked for her help with a quick task. That decision changed everything. She missed her usual ride home on the iconic Glória funicular in Lisbon, only to arrive at the station and learn that it had derailed. Tragically, her friend was among those killed.

Sixteen people lost their lives in this awful incident. The Portuguese prime minister called it “one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history.” Among the victims were several foreign nationals, including three British citizens. The majority were Portuguese, with four being employees of a local charity, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia.

A memorial service held on Friday saw many grieving friends and colleagues come together. Mourners filled the church, sharing stories and tears as they grappled with the loss. Sonia, who had worked at the charity for eight years, expressed her deep sadness. “It’s very difficult,” she said. “I’m grateful to be alive, but I’m very angry because my friends are gone.”

At the service, people shared memories of moments spent together on the funicular. Sonia and her colleague, Sandra Coelho, would often discuss their day during their ride. “I’ll miss our chats,” she lamented.

Others echoed her grief. “It’s such a loss,” said Lurdes Henriques, a colleague who struggled to understand how this could happen. Many expressed anger and confusion, questioning the safety of a service they used daily with confidence. Tania, another employee, remarked, “This could have happened to any of us.”

The aftermath of the crash has sparked discussions about safety. Rui Franco, a city councillor and grieving friend of one of the victims, voiced his frustrations. “Accidents can happen, but this feels different. There were signs something was wrong,” he said.

An investigation is currently underway, and early talk suggests overcrowding and maintenance issues could have played roles. Workers from the rail union have hinted at long-standing concerns about the funicular’s cable system.

As mourners grappled with their emotions, many vowed not to use the funicular again. This sentiment resonates widely, as public trust in the service has been shaken. Whispers on social media reflect a community in shock, grappling to process how a simple commute could end in tragedy.

While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, this incident has opened up broader questions about transport safety in urban settings. Similar concerns arose in 2019, when a subway accident in another city drew attention to the risks of aging infrastructure.

Sonia, surrounded by friends, summed it up: “We just need to support each other right now.” The community is rallying, sharing memories and holding each other close in this devastating time.



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