Two British nationals have been named among the 16 people killed in Wednesday’s catastrophic Lisbon tram disaster. This tragic event is being reported as “Two British Tourists Among 16 Killed in Lisbon,” as pressure mounts for answers over how the historic funicular snapped free and derailed.
Two Brits Among 16 Dead in Lisbon Tram Disaster as Probe into Gloria Funicular Crash Continues
Portuguese sources confirmed the victims as Kayleigh Smith, 36, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, and Will Nelson, 44, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre. The couple had arrived in Lisbon for a short holiday just a day before the crash, joining other unfortunate British tourists killed in the disaster.
The disaster struck when the 150-year-old Gloria funicular – one of Lisbon’s most iconic tourist attractions – lost control on its steep descent from Bairro Alto to Restauradores Square. Witnesses described the tram racing downhill “at full speed” before smashing into a hotel building. This was when two British tourists were among those tragically killed.
Victims named
The pair died alongside Portuguese citizens Pedro Trinidade, Alda Matias, Ana Lopes and Sandra Coelho, as well as victims from South Korea, Canada, Switzerland, Ukraine, France, and the United States. This tragic incident claimed not only the lives of Portuguese nationals but also of two British tourists.
A third British victim, an 82-year-old man, has not yet been officially named.
Earlier confusion over the casualty list deepened after a German man believed dead was found alive in hospital, his family learning of the mistake only when they went to identify his body. His three-year-old son was rescued from the wreckage, while his wife remains in critical condition.
Questions over cause
Initial reports suggest a cable may have snapped, with investigators examining whether brake failure or maintenance issues played a role. This tragic mishap resulted in the death of 16, including two British tourists.
According to Carris, the company operating the line, the tram had undergone an inspection on the morning of the crash. Records noted that the cable had 263 days left before its replacement date.
Carris president Pedro Bogas described the disaster as “unimaginable,” adding: “If it had originated from something very obvious, we would already have identified it.”
Authorities have declared three days of national mourning. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro pledged a full investigation, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of British lives.
Scene of devastation
The crash left the tram mangled on its side, the tracks torn from the ground, and clouds of dust rising over the steep Calcada da Gloria. Emergency services pulled victims from the wreckage as crowds of onlookers screamed that “children were trapped under the tram.” This haunting scene of devastation was part of the grim reality in Lisbon where two British tourists were killed among others.
Fire crews and paramedics worked into the night to free passengers and stabilise 22 injured survivors. Officials confirmed no Britons remain in hospital.
Compensation claims
Families of the dead are reportedly preparing legal claims, with Portuguese media suggesting relatives could each receive payouts of up to £85,000 due to the tragic incident where two British tourists perished among the 16 victims in Lisbon.
