A tragic incident in Lisbon has claimed the lives of a British couple who were well-respected figures in the theatre community. Kayleigh Smith, a talented theatre director, and her partner Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre, were among the victims of the funicular crash that occurred in the heart of the Portuguese capital. The third British victim has not been identified yet.
Macclesfield MP Tim Roca expressed his sorrow over the loss of Ms. Smith and Mr. Nelson, highlighting their significant contributions to the local community. Ms. Smith was praised for her creativity and kindness at MADS Theatre, while Mr. Nelson was commended for his dedication to inspiring young talents at the Arden School of Theatre.
Prior to the accident, Ms. Smith shared images of their visit to Lisbon on Instagram. The MADS Theatre in Macclesfield also paid tribute to the couple, recognizing Ms. Smith’s achievements as an award-winning director and actress.
The tragic event resulted in a total of 16 fatalities, including individuals from various nationalities. The British Prime Minister expressed his condolences for the loss of three British nationals and extended support to the affected families. The Gloria funicular, a historic railway system, was carrying numerous passengers when the derailment occurred, causing one carriage to collide with a building.
Portugal’s Prime Minister described the incident as a significant tragedy, emphasizing the impact on the community. Funiculars are commonly used to transport people on steep terrains, with the Gloria funicular being a popular route in Lisbon. The derailment has raised concerns about safety measures and prompted an outpouring of support for the victims and their families.