The statement was made during a videoconference address during the opening of the meeting of the countries that make up the coalition that offered to contribute to the security of post-war Ukraine, led by the United Kingdom and France.

"The Prime Minister began by offering the United Kingdom's condolences to Portugal following the tragic accident that occurred yesterday [Wednesday] night in Lisbon," said a statement from the British government.

Participating in the meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, via videoconference, were the head of the Portuguese government, Luís Montenegro, as well as his predecessor, António Costa, the current President of the European Council, who is in Paris, where the meeting took place.

The Portuguese Prime Minister announced today that 16 people have been confirmed dead and five critically injured in Wednesday's accident involving the Glória elevator in Lisbon.

Among those affected in the accident, which also resulted in two dozen injuries, are Portuguese citizens and foreigners of various nationalities.

The funicular derailed on Wednesday at 6 p.m., for reasons yet to be determined.

The Glória funicular, in operation since 1885, is operated by Carris and connects Restauradores to Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara, in Bairro Alto, a route of approximately 265 meters.

It is considered one of Lisbon's icons and is highly sought after by tourists.