Lisbon crash – level 2
09-09-2025 07:00
A terrible crash happened in Lisbon when the Glória funicular went off the tracks and hit a building.
Sixteen people died; they came from the UK, Portugal, South Korea, Canada, Switzerland, Ukraine, the USA, and France. More than 20 people got injuries, and six are in a very serious condition.
The public transport company, Carris, said that workers made regular checks on the funicular. It also passed a big inspection in 2024 and a short check only hours before the crash. Still, the funicular ran down the hill and caused this disaster.
Police think that a cable problem or broken brakes could be the reason. They also say there might be a crime if the company didn’t take good care of the system.
Difficult words: funicular (a small train that goes up and down a steep hill on tracks), regular (happening often and at the same time), inspection (a careful check).
You can watch the original video in the Level 3 section.
What mechanical failures did police think could have caused the crash, and under what condition did they say a crime might be involved?
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