Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson have been named among the British victims of the devastating Lisbon funicular crash that claimed 16 lives on Wednesday evening. The pair were on board the Glória funicular, a historic and much-loved tourist attraction in Portugal’s capital, when the carriage derailed and ploughed into a nearby building.
On Friday night, MADS Theatre in Macclesfield issued a heartfelt tribute confirming Ms Smith’s death. “Kayleigh was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed. Her talent, warmth, and generosity touched everyone who knew her,” the statement read.
The funicular crash has sent shockwaves across Portugal and beyond, drawing tributes and condolences from leaders, institutions, and communities around the world.
British Nationals Among Fatalities in Lisbon Crash That Killed 16 Victims
Police confirmed that victims came from Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Ukraine, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. A third British national has also been confirmed dead, though authorities have not yet released the name pending family notification.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the tragedy. “His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the crash as “one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history,” adding that a national day of mourning would be observed.
The accident occurred at around 18:15 local time (17:15 GMT) near Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s main boulevards. According to eyewitnesses, the funicular appeared to accelerate uncontrollably before leaving its tracks and smashing into a residential building at the bottom of the slope.
Videos shared on social media showed the yellow carriage overturned and mangled, resting on the city’s cobblestone street. Dozens of rescue workers scrambled through the wreckage, with more than 60 emergency personnel deployed to the scene. Survivors were pulled from the twisted carriage and rushed to hospitals across the city.
Initially, officials feared 17 victims had been killed, but the figure was later revised to 16 fatalities. Among the dead was also a funicular worker, who was on board at the time.
The cause of the derailment remains unclear. Lisbon’s public transport operator Carris said it has launched an independent investigation into the accident.
Pedro Bogas, the company’s head, stressed that the funicular had been properly maintained. “Everything was scrupulously respected,” he said, noting that general overhauls take place every four years, with the last conducted in 2022. For the past 14 years, Carris has outsourced funicular maintenance to a specialist contractor.
All of Lisbon’s funicular systems have now been temporarily suspended pending safety inspections.
Lisbon’s funiculars are more than transport—they are iconic landmarks. Built 140 years ago, the Glória line connects the bustling Restauradores Square with the elevated Bairro Alto district, carrying locals and tourists alike up one of the city’s steepest hills.
Funiculars operate by using two counterbalanced cars attached by a cable, enabling safe travel on gradients that would otherwise be impassable. For Lisbon, where much of the city is built on steep slopes, the funiculars are essential for daily commuting as well as tourism.
Wednesday’s accident has therefore struck at the heart of the city’s identity, raising urgent questions about the safety of its heritage transport systems.
Beyond official statements, the human impact of the crash is being felt most deeply by families and communities connected to the victims. In the UK, tributes have poured in for Kayleigh Smith and Will Nelson, remembered not only for their creative contributions but also for their kindness and spirit.
Friends of the victims described them as “inseparable” and “a joy to be around,” while the theatre community mourned the loss of a director whose work had inspired young performers and audiences alike.
In Canada, South Korea, and other affected nations, families are grappling with the sudden loss of loved ones who had come to Lisbon for leisure or work.
As Portugal mourns, pressure is mounting on authorities to provide answers. Safety experts say investigators will need to consider brake systems, cable integrity, track conditions, and operational protocols to determine what caused the derailment.
For Lisbon, a city that relies heavily on tourism, the tragedy also poses a significant challenge. The funiculars, celebrated for their charm and history, must now overcome a crisis of confidence.
While the investigation continues, the memory of those lost—among them Kayleigh Smith, Will Nelson, and 14 others from around the world—will remain at the centre of public attention. Victims have transformed a beloved symbol of Lisbon into the site of one of its darkest days.
source- BBC
