A famed Lisbon funicular derailed Wednesday and smashed into a building, killing at least 15 and injuring 18 in one of the Portuguese capital's most popular tourist spots.

"A tragedy that our city has never seen," Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas said of the accident involving the yellow Gloria funicular, one of the capital's best-known symbols.

All of the victims have been recovered from the wreckage, said Tiago Augusto, an official with the Inem emergency services, adding that they included foreigners.

Rescuers confirmed a toll of 15 dead and 18 injured. Details of their identities were not immediately available.

Authorities declared Thursday a day of national mourning.

The accident happened at 6:15 pm local time (1715 GMT) on a steep stretch of tracks near Liberty Avenue.

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