Lisbon funicular crash victim was 'transport enthusiast'

A man with a white beard and a blue hat is seen sitting on a seawall with the ocean behind him. He is wearing a grey jacket a purple shirt and jeans. Image source, Family photo
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David Young was a lifelong transport enthusiast, his family said

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The third British victim killed in the Lisbon funicular crash has been named by police.

David Young, 82, from Holyhead on Anglesey, was among 16 people who died last Wednesday when the Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building in Portugal's capital.

His family described him as a "lifelong transport enthusiast", saying it was a comfort that "his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness".

Over the weekend Cheshire Police confirmed the other British victims were Kayleigh Smith, 36, and her partner Will Nelson, 44.

Known to most as Dave, he was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire, but moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a "long career as a customs officer".

"In retirement he enjoyed visiting heritage railways and tramways around the world," his family said.

Llinos Medi, MP for Ynys Môn, sent her condolences to Mr Young's family and "to those who have been affected".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident.

"His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident," a spokesperson said.

"We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time."

Emergency workers remove one of the funiculars, following derailment and crash of the Gloria funicular railway carImage source, Reuters
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The 140-year-old funicular is designed to travel up and down Lisbon's steep slopes

The city's funicular railways - Glória, Lavra, Bica and Graça - are a popular tourist attraction and known for their yellow tram-like vehicles.

Officials said a cable along the railway's route snapped, but the rest of the mechanism was functioning properly.

The brakeman tried to apply emergency brakes but failed to prevent the derailment,

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

Nationals of Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, France, Britain, Ukraine and the US are among the dead, according to police.