A tragic funicular railway crash in Lisbon resulted in 16 deaths, including three Britons, and over 20 injuries. The accident involved the derailment of the Gloria funicular, a historic tourist attraction, with the cause under investigation. The wreckage has been removed for analysis, and a preliminary report will take six weeks to complete.
A tragic crash of the Lisbon Elevador da Glória funicular resulted in 17 deaths and over 21 injuries, prompting an investigation into the cause, with authorities suspending other funicular operations and conducting safety inspections. The accident, which occurred on a steep slope in Lisbon, has led to a national day of mourning and efforts to identify victims and determine the cause, initially suspected to involve a cable issue.
A funicular railway in Lisbon, a popular tourist landmark, derailed, resulting in at least 15 deaths and multiple injuries, with the cause still under investigation. Emergency teams are on site, and the incident has caused national mourning.
Country singer Morgan Wallen was arrested in Nashville after allegedly throwing a chair off a rooftop bar, leading to three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct. The chair has since become a tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to see it. Wallen's arrest occurred shortly after he was seen speaking to a woman and appeared to be intoxicated. The incident took place at Eric Church's bar Chief's, and Wallen's attorney stated that he is cooperating with authorities. Wallen's alleged chair-throwing incident comes just days after he kicked off his "One Night at a Time 2024" tour.
The Hira Cultural District in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is offering a range of activities and attractions for residents and visitors during school holidays. Spanning 67,000 square meters, the district aims to enhance the religious and cultural journey of Umrah pilgrims and celebrate the region's cultural and historical legacy. With restaurants, cafes, shops, and stunning views of Mount Hira, the district provides a welcoming environment for all. It recently collaborated with the Heritage Commission to organize a special event for artisans, showcasing their work and connecting visitors with Makkah's heritage.
Grammy-winning musician Kacey Musgraves shared her experience visiting Iceland's Blue Lagoon, a popular geothermal spa known for its mineral baths. Contrary to her expectations of a peaceful atmosphere, Musgraves encountered high winds and rough waters during her visit. Despite the challenging conditions, the Blue Lagoon remains a popular tourist attraction, attracting 700,000 visitors annually. Some visitors have warned that the mineral water can dry out hair, but Musgraves did not disclose any damage to her hair in her posts.
London's Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, a mile-long series of World War II tunnels, are set to be transformed into a glitzy immersive tourist attraction. Once protected by the UK's Official Secrets Act, the tunnels were used as a shelter during the Blitz and later served as the home of Britain's top-secret Special Operations Executive. The restoration project, led by fund manager Angus Murray, plans to invest £140 million ($170.5 million) in the restoration work and create an immersive experience with high-resolution screens, interactive structures, and scent-emitting technology. The project, if approved, aims to open to the public in 2027.
A British tourist fell to his death in Austria after slipping off a ladder bridge in the Dachstein Mountains, a popular spot for Instagram photos. The 42-year-old man was alone on the ladder when he fell into the valley below. The ladder is promoted as a top attraction for climbing enthusiasts, but the climb is rated as moderate/difficult and not ideal for beginners. The incident was ruled as an accident, and authorities ruled out third-party negligence. This tragedy highlights the risks associated with seeking adrenaline-inducing experiences for social media content.
The Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), touted as the world's largest Ferris wheel, has mysteriously stopped turning just months after opening. The reopening of the attraction, located in Dubai's Bluewaters island, has been postponed indefinitely for undisclosed reasons. Employees remain skeptical about its future operation, with rumors circulating about technical issues and concerns over its weight. The Dubai Eye, standing at 250 meters tall, is twice the height of the London Eye and features 48 air-conditioned cabins. The lack of official explanation suggests a complicated problem that authorities are unsure how to resolve.
The Trinity nuclear test site in New Mexico, where the world's first nuclear weapon was detonated in 1945, will be open to the public on October 21, but due to the popularity of the movie "Oppenheimer," the Army expects larger crowds than usual and warns that visitors may experience wait times of up to two hours. The site is only open twice a year, and the next opportunity to visit will be in April 2024. The Army assures that the site is safe for visitation, with radiation levels below those of an X-ray or CT scan. The Trinity site, located in a desolate area, features a commemorative obelisk and serves as a reminder of the monumental scientific achievement and the dark turn in modern warfare brought by the development of atomic weapons.
Rome's Pantheon, the most-visited site in Italy, is now charging visitors a small entry fee of €5 ($5.28). The fee, introduced on July 3, aims to generate revenue for cleaning and maintenance, with 70% going to the culture ministry and 30% to the Rome diocese. Those under 25 will pay €2, while children, residents of Rome, people attending mass, and Pantheon workers will still have free entry. Italy is also implementing entrance fees for other popular tourist attractions, such as Venice, to manage crowds.
Rome has opened the site of Julius Caesar's assassination as a tourist attraction. Visitors can now walk through the ancient plaza for a fee of five euros, which was previously closed off to the public. Luxury jeweler Bulgari helped fund the project, including the installation of a new walkway. The assassination site is one of Rome's historical landmarks and was famously dramatized by Shakespeare in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
Tourists and locals can now visit the Sacred Area in Rome where Julius Caesar was assassinated, thanks to a new walkway funded by Bulgari. The area features four ancient temples dating back to the 3rd century B.C. and is located in the middle of a busy crossroads. The walkways are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and an elevator platform is available for those who can't handle the stairs. General admission tickets are priced at 5 euros.
A 33-year-old man fell 4,000 feet to his death from the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona. The Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet out over the canyon's rim and is managed by the Hualapai Tribe. The Mohave County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident. The man's body was transferred to the Hualapai Nation. The Skywalk has seen more than 10 million visitors since 2007.
A 33-year-old man fell 4,000 feet to his death from the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona. The man was on the horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet out over the canyon’s rim before he went over the edge, plunging into the canyon below. The Skywalk is managed by the Hualapai Tribe and has seen more than 10 million visitors since 2007. The incident is under investigation.