Tragedy struck Lisbon on Wednesday evening as the city’s historic yellow-and-white streetcar, the Elevador da Gloria, derailed, killing 15 people and leaving 18 others injured.
According to Portugal’s National Institute for Medical Emergencies, among the injured were a child and several foreigners, with five victims in critical condition.
The accident, described as the worst in Lisbon’s recent history, occurred around 6 p.m. during the evening rush hour.
According to ABC News, eyewitnesses said the funicular appeared to lose control while descending a steep hill before crashing into a building and toppling onto a pedestrian.
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Emergency services confirmed all victims were rescued from the wreckage within two hours. The operator, Carris, stated that the streetcar had undergone routine maintenance, but officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa extended condolences to the families of the victims, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas declared the city in mourning. The Portuguese government announced a national day of mourning on Thursday.
European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, also expressed sympathy.
The Elevador da Gloria, inaugurated in 1885 and classified as a national monument, is one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, drawing millions of tourists each year.
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