Lisbon funicular crash death toll rises to 17 as Portugal observes day of mourning

A national day of mourning began in Portugal Thursday, after at least 17 people were killed and 22 injured when a popular funicular railway derailed in Lisbon.

LISBON, Portugal — A national day of mourning began in Portugal Thursday as the death toll rose to 16 after a popular funicular railway derailed in Lisbon.

At least 21 people were injured, in the capital’s worst accident in recent history.

Cordoned off by police, the crumpled wreckage of the yellow-and-white streetcar known as Elevador da Glória was still on the road early Thursday, lying on its side next to a building which it crashed into.

As a result parts of the mostly metal vehicle were crushed and its top and side were crumpled.

Becky Britton from Minnesota was vacationing in the city with here husband Jeff when she walked past the scene of the accident.