LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The death toll from the crash of a popular Lisbon streetcar rose to 17 on Thursday after two individuals succumbed to their injuries, according to emergency services.
All deceased were adults, as confirmed by Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency. The names and nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed pending family notification.
In total, 21 people were injured in Wednesday's incident, including a 3-year-old child, with ages ranging from 24 to 65. Among the injured were individuals from Portugal, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, South Korea, and Cape Verde.
The streetcar, known as the Elevador da Gloria, crashed into a building in a narrow roadway and lay on its side with severe damage. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time during the evening rush hour.
Authorities reported that emergency responders were on the scene within minutes, successfully extracting all victims within two hours. The Lisbon City Council has temporarily suspended the operation of three other funicular streetcars for immediate inspections.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with detectives from Portugal's judicial police examining the wreckage and tracks. Officials have yet to confirm whether a mechanical failure contributed to the incident.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed condolences, with the city observing a national day of mourning.