The Princely Couple of Monaco has extended heartfelt sympathies to the President of Portugal and the nation, following the deadly derailment of Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular, which claimed 17 lives and injured 21 others.
Prince Albert II of Monaco on Thursday sent an official message of condolence to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa after a tragic accident involving the Elevador da Glória in Lisbon on Wednesday 3rd September resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.
In the letter, the Prince wrote that both he and Princess Charlene received news of the disaster “with deep emotion” and conveyed their solidarity with the Portuguese people during what was declared a national day of mourning. “My family and the people of Monaco join me in expressing our profound sorrow following this tragedy,” said the Prince, extending condolences to the bereaved families and well wishes for the recovery of those injured.
Gloria funicular derailment claims 17 lives
The accident occurred during the busy evening hours when one of the two trams operating on the historic Gloria line lost control while descending a steep incline. The tram derailed and crashed into a nearby building, resulting in 17 confirmed deaths and injuring 21 others, according to emergency services.
Among the injured are several foreign nationals. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting a potential failure in the cable traction system. Operations of similar funicular lines have since been suspended across Lisbon as safety inspections are carried out.
In response to the incident, President Rebelo de Sousa declared a day of national mourning on 4th September. Flags were flown at half-mast and public events were cancelled as the nation paid tribute to the victims. Emergency services and civil protection teams were praised for their swift response, while grief-stricken families gathered near the scene to leave flowers and light candles.
A message of solidarity from the Palace
The message from Monaco reflects the close ties and mutual respect between the two countries. “We associate our thoughts with the people of Portugal on this day of national mourning,” Prince Albert said in closing.
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Photo credit: André Lergier, Unsplash