LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The death toll from a streetcar crash in Lisbon rose to 17 on Thursday, following two additional fatalities related to injuries sustained during the incident.
The crash occurred around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, involving the Elevador da Gloria, a popular 19th-century tourist attraction. Among the injured, numbering 21, were individuals aged 3 to 65, including foreign nationals from Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea, and Cape Verde. The majority of the deceased and injured were adults, with specific details about their identities withheld pending family notification.
Witnesses described a “horrendous crash” as the streetcar derailed, colliding with a building. Felicity Ferriter, a British tourist, stated she heard the impact shortly after arriving at a nearby hotel.
Authorities have suspended operations of three other funiculars in the city as investigations commence into the crash’s causes. The National Forensics Institute has begun autopsies on the deceased.
Emergency services responded promptly, extricating all victims within two hours. Lisbon’s City Council and Carris, the operating company, expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation in the investigation.
The incident has prompted national mourning, with flags in the European Union flying at half-staff. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the event as a tragic loss for the community and the country.