A FUNICULAR CARRIAGE derailed in Lisbon today, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18, according to rescuers.

Five of the injured are in a serious condition, the National Institute for Medical Emergencies said in a statement.

An unknown number of the injured are foreigners, it said.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolence to families affected by what had happened.

The yellow and white funicular, which goes up and down a steep city hill, was lying on its side on the narrow road that it travels along, Portuguese television channels showed.

Its sides and top were partially crumpled. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene.

Firefighters carrying the body of a person on a stretcher Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the tragic incident.

“This is a terrible day for the city and my thoughts, and those of people across Ireland, are with the families of people who have lost their lives,” he said.

He added that Ireland’s embassy in Lisbon stands ready to provide assistance.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known, local media said. It reportedly occurred at the start of the evening rush hour, around 6pm.

The funicular, known as Gloria, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents.

Two carriages run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred metres.

It is classified as a national monument.

Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year, and the funicular is a popular attraction.