World
First victim killed in Lisbon Glória Funicular derailment identified as Brakeman André Marques
LISBON, Portugal — A tragic derailment of the iconic Elevador da Glória funicular in Lisbon on Wednesday evening has left 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including five in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that by 8:30 p.m., all passengers had been evacuated from the wreckage.
The first confirmed fatality was brakeman André Marques, who had been operating the cabin when the funicular lost control.
According to a firefighter source, the accident occurred when a cable in the structure came loose, causing the tram to accelerate uncontrollably down the steep slope and crash into the wall of a building on Rua da Glória.
The derailment happened at approximately 6:05 p.m., as the funicular descended from the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint toward Restauradores Square.
Emergency services worked throughout the evening to extract passengers and treat the injured. Of the 18 wounded:
- São José Hospital admitted nine victims, including five in critical condition, and a three-year-old child who remains stable but is being transferred to D. Estefânia Hospital as a precaution. The child’s pregnant mother sustained minor injuries and has been moved to Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital.
- Santa Maria Hospital received eight victims, one of whom is in serious condition, including a slightly injured child.
- São Francisco Xavier Hospital treated three women, one in critical condition.
- Other patients were transported to Amadora-Sintra and Cascais hospitals for further care.
In response to the tragedy, the Portuguese Government has declared Thursday a national day of mourning, while the Lisbon City Council has declared three days of municipal mourning in honor of the victims.
“Lisbon is in mourning,” said Mayor Carlos Moedas, who visited the site shortly after the incident. “This is a tragedy unlike anything our city has ever experienced. Now is the time for action and support. I want to thank everyone who responded within minutes. Today is an extremely tragic day for Lisbon,” he said, adding that further statements would be made later “out of respect for the families.”
The Judicial Police have cordoned off the area and launched an official investigation into the cause of the derailment.
Civil Protection officials emphasized that while a cable failure is suspected, the exact cause remains under investigation.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshua’s professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshua’s recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.