LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The death toll from the crash of a popular Lisbon streetcar rose to 17 on Thursday after two individuals succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, officials reported.
Authorities identified all fatalities as adults but withheld names pending notification of families. An additional 21 people were injured in the incident, which took place on Wednesday, including men and women aged 24 to 65, as well as a 3-year-old child.
Among the injured were individuals from Portugal, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea, and Cape Verde, highlighting the streetcar’s appeal to tourists. Portugal observed a national day of mourning following what has been labeled the worst disaster in the capital’s recent history.
Emergency response teams arrived swiftly, and all victims were extricated from the wreckage within two hours. The streetcar, known as Elevador da Gloria, derailed and crashed into a building, resulting in significant damage.
Lisbon’s City Council temporarily halted operations of three other funiculars for inspections. The Elevador da Gloria, operational since 1885, connects Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto district.
Investigation authorities photographed the wreckage and rails to determine potential causes of the derailment. No details on the circumstances have been confirmed, with officials refraining from speculating on mechanical failures.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed condolences, emphasizing the national impact of the tragedy. Eurocentric flags at the European Parliament flew at half-staff as leaders across the EU extended their sympathies.