UPDATE: Portugal is in mourning today following a devastating streetcar accident in Lisbon that claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 23 others. This tragic event marks the deadliest incident in the city’s recent history, prompting a national day of mourning observed on July 13, 2023.
The calamity unfolded around 6 p.m. local time when the famous Elevador da Gloria streetcar derailed, crashing violently into a building on a narrow road. Witnesses described the streetcar as being “out of control,” with one bystander recalling that it “hit the building with brutal force,” leaving the vehicle crumpled like a “cardboard box.”
Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extract victims from the wreckage, completing their efforts in just over two hours. The streetcar, a beloved tourist attraction, typically transports over 40 passengers up and down steep hills, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Officials from the National Forensics Institute have mobilized teams from across Portugal to conduct autopsies on the deceased, while the injured have been transported to multiple hospitals in the Lisbon region. The scene remains cordoned off, with investigators looking into potential causes, including a suspected faulty brake or snapped cable.
As the city grapples with this tragedy, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas have expressed their condolences to the families affected. Mayor Moedas called the incident “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen,” reflecting the deep sorrow felt across the nation.
In response, Lisbon’s City Council has temporarily halted operations of three other funicular streetcars for safety inspections. Carris, the company operating the Elevador da Gloria, stated that all necessary maintenance had been conducted prior to the accident and promised a thorough investigation into the causes.
With 8.5 million tourists visiting Lisbon last year, the Elevador da Gloria is a crucial part of the city’s identity. Long lines usually form for its picturesque rides, especially during the high tourist season. Today, however, the streets are quiet as the country reflects on the tragic loss.
Authorities continue their investigation into this heart-wrenching event, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safety of Lisbon’s beloved transportation systems.