'Out of control': Witnesses describe fatal Lisbon funicular crash
'Out of control': Witnesses describe fatal Lisbon funicular crash
The crash killed at least 17 people and injured 20 more, some critically, Portuguese authorities say.
Read the full article on BBC World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article contains significant factual errors regarding the death toll. While it accurately reflects witness accounts of the funicular being 'out of control,' the initial death toll reported is contradicted by later reports. The article exhibits moderate bias through selective reporting of initial, inflated figures.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: The crash killed at least 17 people and injured 20 more, some critically, Portuguese authorities say.
- Verification Source #1: Reports a death toll of at least 16.
- Verification Source #2: Reports a death toll of at least 15.
- Verification Source #3: Reports a death toll of 15.
- Assessment: Contradicted. The initial report of 17 deaths is higher than subsequent reports from the same and other sources.
- Claim: Witnesses describe the vehicle as 'out of control'.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms a witness described the vehicle as 'out of control, without brakes'.
- Verification Source #3: Confirms a witness told Portuguese newspaper Observador the vehicle was 'out of control, without brakes'.
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources confirm this witness account.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: 'Lisbon funicular crash death toll rises to at least 16 as police ...'
- Source 2: 'Lisbon funicular crash latest: Day of mourning in Portugal after at least 15 people killed'
- Source 3: 'Portugal in shock as Lisbon funicular crash leaves 15 dead'