LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The death toll in Wednesday's derailment of the Elevador da Gloria, a popular Lisbon streetcar, has risen to 17 following two fatalities from injuries sustained in the incident, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The victims, all adults, have not been publicly identified pending family notification, according to Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency. A total of 21 individuals were injured, including a 3-year-old child and adults aged 24 to 65, with several passengers hailing from various countries, including Germany, Spain, and Canada.
Witnesses described a “horrendous crash,” with one British tourist noting the immediate emergency response from police and medical teams. The streetcar, lying on its side after colliding with a building, was damaged significantly.
The Elevador da Gloria, a 19th-century funicular, is known for its scenic route. Following the crash, operations of other funiculars in the city were suspended for safety inspections. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time during peak hours.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the derailment, with no immediate conclusions drawn regarding mechanical failure. Autopsies on the deceased are underway, as the city mourns a tragedy that has drawn condolences from public officials and European leaders alike.
The service, a fixture of Lisbon's tourism, typically sees large crowds during the summer season.