Tragedy struck Lisbon on Wednesday evening when the city’s iconic yellow-and-white streetcar, the Elevador da Glória, derailed, claiming 15 lives and injuring 18 others.
The National Institute for Medical Emergencies in Portugal confirmed that the injured included a child and several foreign nationals, with five victims reported to be in critical condition.
The fatal accident, described as the most devastating in Lisbon’s recent history, occurred around 6 p.m. during the busy evening rush hour. Eyewitnesses told ABC News that the historic funicular appeared to lose control while descending a steep hill before crashing into a nearby building and overturning onto a pedestrian.
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Emergency response teams worked swiftly, rescuing all victims trapped in the wreckage within two hours. The operator, Carris, stated that the tram had recently undergone routine maintenance, while authorities announced the launch of a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the derailment.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas declared a period of citywide mourning. The national government also confirmed that Thursday will be observed as a day of mourning across Portugal.
Expressions of sympathy poured in from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez both conveyed solidarity with Portugal in the wake of the tragedy.
The Elevador da Glória, first inaugurated in 1885 and recognized as a national monument, is among Lisbon’s most treasured landmarks. Renowned as one of the city’s top attractions, it draws millions of tourists annually to its historic route connecting downtown Lisbon to the Bairro Alto district.
