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Deadly Streetcar Accident in Lisbon Claims Fifteen Lives

Íconicelectric trams of Lisbon attract numerous tourists as renowned city symbols.

Fifteen people died in a streetcar accident in Lisbon
Fifteen people died in a streetcar accident in Lisbon

Deadly Streetcar Accident in Lisbon Claims Fifteen Lives

In a shocking incident, a streetcar derailment in Lisbon, Portugal, has left 15 people dead and 18 others injured. The incident occurred around 6pm local time, at the start of the evening rush hour.

The streetcar involved in the accident, known as Gloria, is a popular attraction in the city. It is a funicular named Elevador da Gloria, a yellow-and-white vehicle that travels up and down a steep city hill. The streetcar is classified as a national monument and is commonly used by Lisbon residents, as well as tourists who flocked to the city last year, totalling around 8.5 million.

The derailment occurred on a narrow road the streetcar travels along, with the vehicle lying on its side. Its sides and top were partially crumpled, suggesting the impact was severe. The streetcar runs parallel to another one as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred meters.

Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene of the derailment, attending to the injured and managing the chaotic aftermath. Five of the injured are in serious condition, and the responsibility for investigating the accident has been taken by a state investigation commission in Portugal, specifically the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aviation and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF).

The exact cause of the accident is not yet known, according to local media. The incident was broadcast on Portuguese television channels, including TVNZ, providing a harrowing glimpse of the aftermath for viewers. No new information about the condition of the injured or the number of foreigners among them was provided in this paragraph.

The Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, offered condolences to the families affected by the derailment, expressing his deep regret and sympathy for the tragic loss of life. The city of Lisbon, known for its vibrant culture and historic charm, is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating incident.

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