In a devastating accident on Wednesday, a funicular railway in Lisbon, famed for its scenic routes, derailed, leading to the tragic loss of at least 15 lives and injuring over a dozen others. The incident has sent shockwaves through the city and beyond.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and announced that an in-depth investigation is underway to uncover the cause of this catastrophic event.

In response to the tragedy, Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, declared three days of mourning, expressing sorrow for the lives lost in what he described as a "tragic accident."

Eyewitness accounts and videos flooding social media paint a harrowing picture: one clip, verified by NBC News, shows a yellow funicular car collapsed on its side, surrounded by debris and a cracked roof, while another depicts rescuers sifting through the wreckage in search of survivors.

The ill-fated funicular, known as the Elevador de Gloria, connects the bustling Baixa and Bairro Alto neighborhoods in Lisbon. It’s one of three iconic funicular railways operating in the city, known for their steep climbs and views.

Fire brigade commander Alexandre Rodrigues shared that authorities were alerted about the derailment at precisely 6:01 p.m., arriving on the scene in just three minutes. He revealed that the funicular had not only derailed but also crashed into a nearby building, a fact that calls for thorough investigation.

As the city mourns, the identities and nationalities of the victims remain unconfirmed, leaving many questions unanswered. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety measures in public transportation.