Portugal is reeling after a devastating accident in Lisbon claimed the lives of 15 people when the city’s iconic Gloria funicular derailed and crashed into a building. The incident occurred around 18:05 near Avenida da Liberdade, leaving another 18 people injured, five of them critically.

Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the dead, though their nationalities have yet to be disclosed. Eyewitnesses reported that the funicular appeared to have lost its brakes, gaining uncontrollable speed before hitting a building with what one described as “brutal force.”

Footage circulating on social media showed the bright yellow carriage overturned and almost destroyed, with smoke rising as people fled the scene. Rescue workers spent hours extracting passengers trapped in the wreckage.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called it a “tragic moment for the city” during his hospital visit. Portugal’s government declared a day of national mourning, while President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his “sympathy and solidarity” with victims’ families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also offered condolences.

The Gloria funicular, in service since 1885 and electrified in the early 20th century, is one of Lisbon’s most famous tourist attractions. It connects Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto, covering a steep 275-metre route in just three minutes. At the time of the accident, the city was crowded with end-of-summer visitors.

Lisbon’s public transport operator Carris stated that the funicular had undergone major four-yearly and biennial maintenance checks, along with regular inspections. However, eyewitness accounts suggest that the braking system failed, and reports indicate that a loose cable may have caused the derailment.

Multiple investigations are under way, including by the national transport safety authority, the criminal police, and Carris. Authorities have cautioned that it is too early to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Gloria funicular, long celebrated as a symbol of Lisbon’s charm, now stands at the centre of one of the worst transport tragedies in the city’s history, leaving residents and visitors alike in deep grief.

Skyscanner has named Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as ‘SKY’, as its first brand ambassador in India. This marks the company’s most significant consumer outreach initiative in the Indian market so far.

The partnership builds on the rising trend of sport-led travel in the country, with research showing that nearly half of Indian travellers are willing to travel specifically to watch live cricket. By joining hands with a cricketer of Yadav’s popularity and cultural influence, Skyscanner aims to strengthen its presence among Indian travellers and inspire them to explore new destinations with ease.

Known as ‘Mr. 360’ for his versatile cricketing style, Yadav will now extend his influence off the field by encouraging travellers to experience the joy of discovery with Skyscanner. The collaboration begins with a digital contest on Skyscanner India’s and Yadav’s social media channels, where fans can create personalised travel itineraries for the cricketer using Skyscanner’s features. Selected winners will get the chance to meet Yadav in person, offering unique engagement opportunities between the brand and its community.

Speaking about the partnership, Suryakumar Yadav said: “Travel has always been something that excites me as much as cricket,  whether it is exploring new places during tours or discovering hidden gems on break. Partnering with Skyscanner feels natural because it’s about making travel simple, smart, and full of possibilities. I’m looking forward to inspiring more fans to combine their love for cricket with the joy of discovering the world.”

Neel Ghose, Country Manager & General Manager, Travel Expert, Skyscanner, India, added: “We are really excited to welcome SKY to the Skyscanner family. His connection with people across India makes him the perfect partner to help us show travellers just how simple, affordable and joyful planning a trip with Skyscanner can be. With him alongside, we aim to make travel not just more accessible, but a source of inspiration and connection for every Indian traveller. Last year, we inaugurated our first office in India and today marks yet another special occasion with SKY as the face of our brand.”

Through this collaboration, Skyscanner hopes to encourage Indian travellers to see travel as both accessible and aspirational, combining their love for cricket with the excitement of exploring new places.

Krishnangan Hotel & Resort, Bikaner, has announced the appointment of Kulvinder Singh as its new General Manager. Singh will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations and driving the property’s growth in the competitive hospitality market of Rajasthan.

With a career spanning more than 26 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, Singh is known for his expertise in new hotel projects, brand development, operations, CRM, P&L management, inventory control, and digital strategies including SEO and SMO.

Over the years, he has held senior positions with prominent hospitality groups such as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Louvre Hotels, Ramada by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Shipra Hotels, and Pal Heights Bhubaneshwar. Singh has been instrumental in setting new benchmarks in both operations and business development, particularly in luxury and MICE segments.

His professional journey has taken him across several key hospitality destinations including Delhi NCR, Jim Corbett, Bhubaneshwar, and Ranchi. With his new role in Bikaner, also known as the Red City of Rajasthan, Singh brings rich experience in hospitality operations and a proven record of leadership in sales and marketing.

Originally from New Delhi, Singh is an alumnus of IHM Gwalior, graduating in 1999. He is widely regarded as a dynamic hospitality leader credited with spearheading innovative strategies, building strong teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Speaking on the appointment, the hotel expressed confidence that Singh’s leadership will further strengthen Krishnangan Hotel & Resort’s position as a premier destination in Bikaner, while enhancing service excellence and guest satisfaction.