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.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.