Police officers inspect the site where a tourist streetcar derailed and crashed in Lisbon (Image: (Armando Franca/AP))
The family of a British couple killed in the Lisbon funicular crash have said they are “heartbroken” in a tribute.
Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner, Will Nelson, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre, were identified as two of the three Britons who perished after the popular tourist attraction derailed in the centre of the Portuguese city on Wednesday night.
The third British victim has yet to be identified.
In a statement released through Cheshire Police, Ms Smith’s family said: “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.
“She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a master’s degree. They both leave family and friends heartbroken.”
Mr Nelson’s younger brother said: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt.
“This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s.
Theatre director Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson who died in the crash (Image: Cheshire Police via family)
“He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him. He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always.
“Love you, rest in peace you legend.”
A total of 16 people perished in the crash. Also amongst the dead were five Portuguese nationals, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss and one Ukrainian.
A further 21 people were injured, including five seriously.
Mr Nelson “inspired thousands of students across The Arden School of Theatre to pursue their dreams and ambitions”, Rachel Curry, principal of UCEN Manchester, said.
She added: “Everyone at UCEN Manchester and The Arden School of Theatre have been shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith in the Lisbon tram disaster.
“Will inspired thousands of students across The Arden School of Theatre to pursue their dreams and ambitions during his seven years with us.
Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith died in the Lisbon funicular crash (Image: PA Media)
“Will had an incredible knowledge of his craft, particularly of playwrights and the history of theatre, being a constant source of rich information on this for students and colleagues. He was a such a positive and committed advocate for developing student talent and supporting his colleagues.
“Kayleigh was one of our mature students who had recently completed a Masters degree with us in pursuit of a career as an aspiring theatre director. She was an extremely talented and enthusiastic student who had a bright future ahead of her. Kayleigh was both incredibly hard working and warm and friendly with her fellow students and staff alike.
“Everyone in UCEN Manchester, and in The Arden School of Theatre in particular, will miss Will tremendously and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Will and Kayleigh’s families, loved ones and their peers at this tragic time.”
A No 10 spokesman has confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is “deeply saddened” by the tragic deaths of three British nationals.
“His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident,” he expressed.
“We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.”
The Foreign Office has stated it is providing support to the families of the three British nationals who tragically lost their lives in the incident.
The Gloria funicular, a historic transport system that’s been in operation for 140 years, was filled with passengers when it derailed.
Portugal’s prime minister, Luis Montenegro, described the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past”.
Funiculars, a unique type of railway system designed to transport people up and down steep slopes, are common in hilly areas.
The Gloria funicular, known for its two distinct yellow carriages, operates between Restauradores Square in central Lisbon and the Bairro Alto area, with each journey lasting approximately three minutes.
This electrified system utilises steel cables for operation.
The derailment led to one of the carriages crashing into a building at a bend in the road.