LISBON STREETCAR DERAILMENT LEAVES 15 DEAD. (PHOTO).

 Lisbon streetcar derailment leaves 15 dead

A devastating accident struck Lisbon on Wednesday when one of the city’s iconic yellow-and-white streetcars derailed on a steep downtown hill, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, according to emergency services. Among the injured was a child, and several of the victims were foreign nationals. Officials said five people were in serious condition. The derailment, described as Lisbon’s worst accident in recent memory, shocked the city and cast a shadow over one of its most beloved tourist attractions. The streetcar, known as the Elevador da Glória, toppled onto its side and crashed into a building at a bend in the narrow road it usually climbs, leaving its sides and roof mangled and parts of the metal vehicle crushed.

Emergency crews worked for over two hours to rescue passengers trapped in the wreckage, eventually confirming that all victims had been removed. Eyewitnesses reported that the funicular appeared to be out of control as it careened down the hill before overturning, with one witness claiming it struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Authorities said the vehicle had undergone scheduled maintenance, but the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered condolences, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas declared the city in mourning, calling it “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” The government announced a national day of mourning, and expressions of solidarity poured in from European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, Pedro Sánchez, and Antonio Tajani.

The Elevador da Glória, first inaugurated in 1885 and classified as a national monument, is powered by steel cables and typically carries over 40 passengers. While widely popular with tourists—millions visit Lisbon each year—it is also used daily by residents navigating the steep incline. For decades, it has symbolized Lisbon’s charm and history, making Wednesday’s derailment not only a tragic loss of life but also a blow to the spirit of a city that prides itself on its heritage and resilience.