A British couple killed in Lisbon after a funicular streetcar derailed on Wednesday has been identified as Kayleigh Smith and William Nelson. The accident, which also killed 14 other people, took place when the Elevador da Glória hurtled down a hill and crashed into a building. Smith, from Macclesfield in Cheshire, graduated from the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, where Nelson worked as a theatre director. Police have confirmed that the crash also claimed the lives of five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, one American, one Ukrainian, one Swiss citizen, and one French person.
Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, described the accident as “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history”, stating that it left 21 people injured, five in seriously condition. The German foreign ministry has confirmed that at least three German nationals were among the injured.
In remembrance of Smith, the MADS Theatre posted a tribute on their website stating, “Kayleigh was a valued member of our society and made considerable contributions both to MADS and to drama in the North West.” The theatre extended their condolences to both Smith and Nelson’s families.
No sabotage evidence has been found, leaving investigators to consider mechanical failures or maintenance issues as possible causes. The Glória line, which carries about 3 million passengers annually, operates two cars, each capable of carrying 40 people. UK Prime Minister’s spokesperson said, “The prime minister is deeply saddened to hear that three British nationals have died in the funicular crash in Lisbon. His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/06/british-couple-killed-in-lisbon-funicular-crash-named
