LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The death toll from a streetcar crash in Lisbon rose to 17 after two individuals succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, according to emergency services. The incident occurred Wednesday, but the cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
All deceased were adults, confirmed Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon’s Civil Protection Agency, who did not disclose their identities pending family notifications. An additional 21 people were injured, including two Germans, two Spaniards, and a 3-year-old child. The injured range from 24 to 65 years old.
The streetcar, known as the Elevador da Gloria, is a renowned tourist attraction. A national day of mourning was observed following Portugal’s deadliest disaster in recent history. Authorities have not determined if mechanical failure caused the streetcar to crash into a building as it descended.
Emergency response teams, including police and ambulances, arrived promptly at the scene. Witnesses described a “horrendous crash” as the streetcar overturned. The wreckage is under examination by detectives from Portugal’s judicial police.
Lisbon City Council suspended operations of three other funiculars for safety inspections. The Elevador da Gloria, recognized as a national monument, typically operates along a curved road, connecting Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto neighborhood.
Carris, the streetcar’s operating company, extended condolences to the victims’ families and pledged cooperation with investigations.
European Union flags flew at half-staff in response to the tragedy, with leaders expressing their condolences across social media.