URGENT UPDATE: Portugal is in mourning today as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic streetcar accident in Lisbon that claimed 15 lives and injured 23 others. This tragic incident, the deadliest in recent memory for the capital, occurred just before 6 p.m. local time on July 6, 2023.
The iconic Elevador da Gloria, a historic funicular that draws millions of tourists annually, derailed and crashed into a building, sending shockwaves through the city. Eyewitness accounts describe the streetcar as “out of control,” with reports of it having “no brakes” before the horrific impact. “It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box,” said witness Teresa d’Avó on Portuguese television.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extract victims from the wreckage, completing their efforts in just over two hours. The crumpled remains of the streetcar remain cordoned off on the narrow road, with investigators on-site to determine the cause of the accident. Early reports suggest a potential issue with the brakes or a snapped cable, though authorities have not yet confirmed this.
The Lisbon City Council has suspended operations of three other funiculars pending inspections, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Elevador da Gloria, a national monument since its opening in 1885, typically transports over 40 passengers at a time along a steep route, making it a staple for both tourists and locals.
In an official statement, the Portuguese government expressed deep sorrow, declaring a national day of mourning. “A tragic accident has caused the irreparable loss of human life, leaving families in mourning and the entire country dismayed,” they said. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas have both extended their condolences to the affected families, with Moedas declaring, “It’s a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.”
As the nation reflects on this devastating loss, the focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging those with information about the incident to come forward. Meanwhile, the community is left to mourn the victims and grapple with the implications of such a tragic event.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available, but for now, the streets of Lisbon are quieter, resonating with the grief felt across Portugal.
