UPDATE: Portugal is in mourning today, July 27, 2023, following a horrific streetcar accident in Lisbon that claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 23 others. This tragedy marks the deadliest transportation incident in the capital’s recent history and has left the nation reeling.
The accident occurred around 6 p.m. local time when the historic Elevador da Gloria, a popular funicular known for its stunning views, derailed and crashed into a building. Eyewitnesses reported that the streetcar appeared to be out of control, with one bystander describing the impact as if it “hit the building with brutal force.” The crumpled wreckage remains cordoned off by police as investigators work to determine the cause, with early speculations pointing to potential brake failure or a snapped cable.
Emergency services worked swiftly to rescue victims, managing to pull everyone from the wreckage within just over two hours. The injured have been transported to several hospitals across the Lisbon region for urgent care.
The National Forensics Institute has mobilized teams to conduct autopsies, supported by forensic experts from three other cities. As of now, no information has been released regarding the identities of those killed or the condition of the injured.
In response to the tragedy, the Portuguese government has declared a national day of mourning, echoing the sentiments of Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas, who described the incident as “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also expressed his condolences to the families affected, stating that the country is united in grief.
The Elevador da Gloria is not only a cherished tourist attraction but also serves as a vital means of transport for locals. It was inaugurated in 1885 and typically carries more than 40 passengers at a time. In the wake of the accident, operations for three other funiculars in the city have been halted for immediate safety inspections.
Carris, the company operating the streetcar, has stated that all scheduled maintenance was up to date prior to the crash and has pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations to uncover the causes of this devastating accident.
As the nation grapples with this shocking loss, the immediate focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again. Further updates are expected as investigations continue and authorities work tirelessly to provide answers.
Stay tuned for live updates on this developing story.
