Lisbon Streetcar Crash Updates
Lisbon, Portugal — The fatality count from the recent streetcar accident in Lisbon has increased, with two of the 23 injured victims succumbing to their injuries, emergency services have reported.
All those who died were adults, according to Lisbon’s Civil Protection Commissioner Margarida Castro Martins, who refrained from disclosing their names or nationalities.
Wednesday’s crash injured 21 additional people. Among them were two Germans, two Spaniards, and one person each from Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea, and Cape Verde. This diverse mix highlights the streetcar’s popularity, especially during the bustling summer season when tourists flock to the city.
In response to what is considered one of the worst disasters in recent memory for Lisbon, the country held a national day of mourning on Thursday.
While the authorities did not share specific details about the deceased, the local traffic workers union confirmed that streetcar brakeman Andre Marquez was among the victims.
The 19th-century trams are a significant attraction in Lisbon, often crowded with tourists as they navigate the city’s steep hills.
A team of pathologists from the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, bolstered by colleagues from three other Portuguese cities, worked through the night to complete autopsies. Meanwhile, the injured were taken to various hospitals in the Lisbon region.
Debris from the accident remained on the road where the tram derailed, and police have since removed it.
Investigators from the Portuguese judicial police are examining the site, taking photographs of the tracks and scattered wreckage.
Authorities have not yet commented on whether brake failure or a snapped cable contributed to the incident.
The yellow and white tram, known as the Elevador da Gloria, was seen on its usual path, with debris showing signs of the violent crash against a nearby building. Witness Teresa Dabo described the tram as being out of control, expressing her belief that it had no functioning brakes as it struck pedestrians on the adjacent avenue.
The tragedy unfolded around 6 PM local time, coinciding with the evening rush hour. Emergency responders managed to extract all victims from the wreckage within two hours.
Technically classified as funiculars, these trams operate using steel cables and can carry more than 40 passengers seated and standing. They have become integral to life in Lisbon, serving both residents and visitors.
The service, which began in 1885, traverses steep hills on winding, car-free streets and is located near popular nightlife areas like the Bairro Alto.
Lisbon’s city council has temporarily halted operations of three other well-known funiculars for immediate safety inspections.
The Elevador da Gloria is recognized as a national monument and attracted around 8.5 million tourists last year, often leading to long queues due to the popularity of its brief rides.
Carris, the operating company, expressed profound sadness over the incident and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause. President Marcelo Rebello de Souza extended his condolences to the families affected, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Modus characterized the event as unprecedented and tragic.
In light of the accident, the Portuguese government announced a day of national mourning. A statement emphasized the profound loss of life and the impact on grieving families.
Flags at the European Parliament and the European Commission in Brussels were flown at half-mast, with many EU leaders sharing their condolences online.
