Inquests Open into British Couple Deaths in Lisbon Funicular Crash Killing 16

Inquests have been opened in Cheshire into the deaths of William Nelson, a drama teacher, and Kayleigh Smith, a theatre director, who were killed in the Lisbon funicular disaster on September 3. The couple, from Macclesfield and Wigan respectively, had only arrived in Lisbon the day before for a holiday when the historic 140- to 150-year-old Elevador da Gloria tram derailed and crashed into a building, killing 16 people in total. A preliminary investigation revealed significant safety failings, including that the underground cable which snapped had been installed only the previous year and was never certified for passenger transportation; this cable acted as a counterweight between two carriages. Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish opened the inquests at Cheshire Coroner's Court, confirming the couple's identities and circumstances of death, with a full inquest scheduled for May 5, 2026. Tributes from family, friends, and colleagues highlighted Will's kindness and protective nature and Kayleigh's talent and caring personality, expressing profound grief and loss. The tragedy has also brought attention to the safety oversight concerning the historic tram system in Lisbon.