UPDATE: Portugal is reeling today as the nation observes a day of mourning following a catastrophic streetcar accident in Lisbon that claimed the lives of 15 people and left 23 others injured. This tragic event marks one of the worst transportation disasters in the country’s recent history.
The devastating incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. local time on July 27, 2023, when the historic Elevador da Gloria streetcar derailed, crashing into a building on the narrow streets of Lisbon. Witnesses described the harrowing scene, noting that the streetcar seemed to be out of control and had no brakes. “It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box,” said Teresa d’Avó, a witness to the tragedy.
Emergency teams worked tirelessly, managing to extract all victims from the wreckage within just over two hours. The streetcar, a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, was carrying more than 40 passengers at the time, highlighting the potential for an even greater loss of life.
Officials from the National Forensics Institute have begun autopsies on the deceased, while the injured have been transported to various hospitals across the Lisbon region. The city’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.”
As investigations are underway, authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure as a cause, with both faulty brakes and snapped cables being areas of focus. The wreckage remains cordoned off as accident investigators continue their work. In light of this disaster, Lisbon’s City Council has suspended operations of three other famous funicular streetcars for immediate inspections to ensure safety.
The Elevador da Gloria, which has been in operation since 1885, is classified as a national monument and is a key component of Lisbon’s cultural identity. Last year, the city welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists, many of whom sought the picturesque ride this streetcar offers.
In an official statement, the Portuguese government announced the day of mourning, emphasizing the impact of this tragic accident on families and the nation as a whole. “A tragic accident … caused the irreparable loss of human life, which left in mourning their families and dismayed the whole country,” the statement read.
Carris, the company responsible for the streetcar service, has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation to uncover the cause of this heartbreaking incident.
As the nation grapples with this profound loss, attention will turn to the forthcoming investigations and the measures necessary to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again. The community stands in solidarity, mourning the lives lost and supporting the families affected by this devastating event.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
