Death Toll Climbs to 16 After Tourist Attraction Derails as Witness Says Streetcar Crumpled Like ‘Cardboard Box’

16 People lose their lives in a tragic incident as a tram derails in Portugal

A devastating incident in Lisbon, Portugal has left at least 16 people dead and over 20 injured following a major tram derailment. The catastrophe occurred on September 4th, turning a leisurely late-summer afternoon into a scene of horror and chaos. The incident involved the Elevador da Gloria funicular, a popular tourist attraction and historic railway system in the Portuguese capital.

Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing experiences as they tried to assist the victims trapped in the mangled tram. Rasha Abdo, who was in a separate tram with her family, described the chaos that ensued after the tram careened off course and collided with a building. The impact was so severe that the tram disintegrated, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake.

As emergency services rushed to the scene, survivors and witnesses struggled to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy. Reports from the national emergency service, INEM, revealed the grim reality of the situation, with numerous casualties, including international tourists. The heart-wrenching sight of individuals jumping from the tram added to the horror of the unfolding events.

The official death toll stood at 16, with more than 20 individuals sustaining injuries in the incident. Among the victims was the tram driver, Andre Jorge Goncalves Marques, whose dedication to his duty ended in tragedy. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed profound sorrow at the magnitude of the catastrophe, labelling it as one of the most significant human tragedies in recent history.

Authorities are currently working to determine the cause of the derailment, with investigative agencies collaborating to uncover the factors behind the calamity. Initial findings are expected to be released in the coming days, shedding light on the circumstances that led to such a catastrophic event. The suspension of all funicular operations in Lisbon underscores the seriousness of the situation as efforts to prevent future accidents are prioritised.

The day following the tragic incident was declared a national day of mourning by the Portuguese government, as the nation grappled with the loss and devastation caused by the tram derailment. The government’s heartfelt condolences were extended to the families of the victims, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the country as a whole. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding what went wrong and implementing measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Lisbon’s reputation as a city known for its vintage streetcars has been tarnished by this catastrophic event, highlighting the importance of stringent safety regulations and maintenance procedures. The closure of all funiculars in the city serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the imperative to prioritise safety in all forms of transportation. As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, the quest for answers and accountability is paramount in ensuring that such a tragedy never occurs again.