Family of Brits killed in Lisbon tram crash share heartbreak as officials issue update on cause
A famed tram in Lisbon, Portugal has seen 16 people killed after it crashed on 3 September.
Portuguese officials have been investigating the funicular crash, explaining that a cable along the railway's route snapped, but everything else had been in working order.
"After examining the wreckage at the site, it was immediately determined that the cable connecting the two carriages had given way," a statement by the national transport safety office reads.
According to investigators, the brakeman attempted to engage its emergency brakes, but the tram continued to derail.
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The crash caused 16 deaths and approximately 20 injured when the carriage crashed into a building.
Five who lost their lives were Portuguese, three British, two South Korean, two Canadians, one American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss and a French national.
Among the British nationals who died, it has been confirmed that two were Kayleigh Smith, 36, and her partner William Nelson, 44.
Smith was a theatre director, holidaying with Nelson - a lecturer at Arden School of Theatre.
In a statement issued through Cheshire Police, Smith's family paid tribute to her life.
It read: "Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.
"She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a master's degree. They both leave family and friends heartbroken."
Nelson’s younger brother spoke of the impact the tragedy has had on the family, sharing: "Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt. This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone's.
"He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him. He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always. Love you, rest in peace you legend."
It is not known just how many were on the tram, or how many were on the street.
What is known is that six of those injured were admitted to intensive care, and three had minor injuries as a result.
At this time, it is not fully known the exact cause of the crash.
According to a report, while the pneumatic brakes and a manual brake were activated when the cable snapped, it is not known if another automatic brake activated - as per its function.
The investigators said they have not yet reached ‘valid conclusions’ about the cause of the crash, but a full preliminary report is expected to be released within 45 days.
The funicular was designed 140 years ago to travel up and down Lisbon's lengthy slopes.
It’s so famed, you will find many memorabilia shops in its honour around the city.
The carriage was allegedly travelling at around 37mph at the time of the crash, and the cable in question was 337 days into its 600-day operational life expectancy.
It has been reported that the tram was six meters into its journey when the cable failed, as per Portugal's Aircraft and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office (GPIAAF).
It added that the two connected carriages of the Glória Funicular 'suddenly lost the balancing force of the connecting cable'.
It then took around 50 minutes between the cable failing and the tram crashing into the building.
However, it has been confirmed that the tram's protocols were followed on the day.
Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro called the crash ‘one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past’ and the country is observing four days of mourning.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told LADbible: "We are supporting the families of three British nationals who have died following an incident in Lisbon and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Topics: World News, Travel, UK News
Britt Jones