Paola, 52, an employee at the University of Salerno in Italy, narrowly escaped the tragedy that killed 17 people and injured 21 others on Wednesday afternoon, September 4, in downtown Lisbon. The Italian woman is in Portugal for training at the University of Lisbon and was walking with her 13-year-old son at the time of the accident.
As reported to the newspaper Corriere della Sera, she and her son intended to board the Elevador da Glória train that derailed and crashed into a building. They changed their plans at the last minute to visit the Hard Rock Café. When they returned, they found the scene of the disaster.
"We saw the firefighters and police arrive. The elevator had just crashed into the building. We stood there, in shock, at the barriers. We watched the firefighters remove the bodies from the wreckage. It was a terrible scene. I don't think I'll ever ride an elevator again in my life," he said.
The Italian believes that the sudden decision to change course was a spiritual protection.
"We are in shock. It was my father who protected us from heaven," he said.
Paola works in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Salerno and is participating in an academic exchange program in Lisbon. She and her son were unharmed.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed: citizenship is born with the person.
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The accident involving the Elevador da Glória, one of Lisbon's tourist attractions, occurred late Wednesday afternoon. According to Portuguese authorities, the derailment was caused by a broken suspension cable. The funicular lost control on the descent and crashed into the facade of a building. The Portuguese government declared national mourning.
Italian authorities offer solidarity
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent a message to the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa:
"I received with dismay the news of yesterday's tragic accident with the Elevador da Glória in Lisbon, which caused numerous casualties. What happened has sparked feelings of sadness and shock throughout Italy."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also spoke out:
“I wish to express, on behalf of the Italian government and on my own behalf, my sincere condolences and closeness to Portugal, the families of the victims and the injured involved in the incident.”
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated via the X network (formerly Twitter):
"We are close to the Portuguese people at this sad time. Through our embassy, all investigations into the involvement of our compatriots are underway."
