INVESTIGATORS in Lisbon are still trying to piece together the funicular tram tragedy which left 17 people dead and dozens injured.

A packed carriage derailed and began hurtling "at full speed" down a steep road completely "out of control" before crashing, witnesses said.

The funicular was making its usual 2,441ft journey through the Portuguese capital just after 6pm local time.

It was reportedly full with at least 38 people inside, made up of locals and tourists, due to it being rush hour in the busy city.

The brake guard in charge of the funicular, named as André Marques, would have started the descent by pulling a lever to make the cart move along the cables above it.

The Glória line’s two cars are attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable with traction provided by elect

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