11 Foreigners Among 16 Dead in Lisbon Streetcar Derailment

URGENT UPDATE: A devastating streetcar derailment in Lisbon has left 16 dead, with 11 of the victims identified as foreigners, including two Canadians. Authorities confirmed the tragic incident occurred on the evening of July 26, 2023, when the popular Elevador da Gloria, a historic funicular attraction, derailed and crashed into a building packed with tourists and locals.

The list of deceased includes five Portuguese nationals, three British citizens, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss, and one Ukrainian. A German man initially reported dead was later found alive in a hospital, police stated. This heartbreaking event has been described by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro as “one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past.”

The government’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations announced it has completed a preliminary analysis of the wreckage and will release a report later today. While the details of the report remain unclear, a broader police investigation is expected to be completed within 45 days.

The Elevador da Gloria, classified as a national monument, is a vital part of Lisbon’s tourist infrastructure, with around 8.5 million tourists visiting the city last year. The streetcar was last inspected just nine hours before the crash, raising questions about its maintenance and safety protocols. Following the incident, operations of three other funicular streetcars in the city have been suspended for immediate inspections.

Eyewitness accounts reveal the shock and horror experienced by those who were nearby. Felicity Ferriter, a British tourist, described hearing “a horrendous crash” as she unpacked her suitcase. “It could have been us,” she reflected, emphasizing the emotional toll of the tragedy. Similarly, Francesca di Bello, an Italian tourist, expressed disbelief, stating she had just ridden the funicular hours before the derailment.

In response to the incident, the local government has pledged to prioritize safety and transparency throughout the investigations. The city’s mayor stated, “The city needs answers,” highlighting the urgent need for accountability in such a catastrophic event.

As the community mourns, a national day of mourning was observed on Thursday, with hundreds attending a candlelit Mass at the Church of Saint Dominic, where Prime Minister Montenegro, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and other officials paid their respects.

With multiple investigations underway, the people of Lisbon and the families of those affected are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, calling for answers and improvements in safety measures as they look to the future.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.