LISBON, Portugal (AP) — An electric streetcar, a prominent landmark in Lisbon and a significant tourist attraction, derailed on Wednesday, resulting in 15 fatalities and 18 injuries, as confirmed by emergency services.
Among the injured, five individuals were reported to be in serious condition, and a child was included in the casualty count, according to a statement from the National Institute for Medical Emergencies. Additionally, it was noted that an unspecified number of foreign nationals were among those hurt.
The incident has been deemed an accident, marking it as the most severe transportation disaster in Lisbon's recent history. This tragedy has cast a shadow over the city's reputation, which is renowned for welcoming millions of international tourists each year.
The streetcar, known as Elevador da Gloria, is characterized by its yellow-and-white colors and travels up and down a steep hill in downtown Lisbon, operating in tandem with an opposing car. Photographs depict the streetcar lying on its side on the narrow road it usually traverses, with its sides and top partially crumpled. It appeared to have collided with a building at the point where the road bends, leading to significant damage.
Emergency response teams, consisting of several dozen workers, were deployed to the scene. Most rescuers had concluded their efforts within two hours, after ensuring that all victims had been pulled from the wreckage.
Eyewitness accounts shared with local media indicate that the streetcar appeared to be out of control as it sped down the hill. One witness reported observing the streetcar topple onto a man standing on the sidewalk, highlighting the chaotic nature of the incident.
Carris, the company responsible for operating the streetcar, stated that scheduled maintenance had recently been performed, suggesting that mechanical failure may not have contributed to the derailment.
In the wake of the tragedy, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed the city’s deep sorrow, stating, “It’s a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.”
The Portuguese government has announced a day of national mourning to be observed on Thursday, emphasizing the widespread impact of this tragic accident. The statement from the government lamented the "irreparable loss of human life" and the collective mourning experienced throughout the nation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her sympathies, writing in Portuguese on social media platform X, “It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria.”
As of now, the cause of the derailment remains unknown. Reports indicate that the incident took place around 6 p.m., coinciding with the start of the evening rush hour. An official investigation will commence once the rescue operation has concluded, as stated by the government.
The Elevador da Gloria functions as a funicular, being powered by steel cables, and has the capacity to transport over 40 passengers, both seated and standing. Being a popular choice for both locals and tourists, this service operates along a few hundred meters of a hill on a curved road free from other traffic. The route was inaugurated in 1885 and is classified as a national monument due to its cultural significance.
Last year, Lisbon welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists, with long lines forming for rides on the beloved streetcar. The derailment has disrupted not only the daily lives of residents but also impacted the vibrant tourist experience for visitors to the historical and picturesque capital of Portugal.
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