A popular tourist funicular in Lisbon careered off its tracks and crashed into a wall in the city's historic Alfama district on Thursday, causing panic and leaving multiple passengers injured.
The dramatic derailment of the Tram 28-style carriage, a major attraction for visitors exploring the Portuguese capital's steep, narrow streets, prompted a large-scale emergency response. Firefighters, paramedics, and police rushed to the scene to assist trapped and wounded tourists.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and confusion as the tram, which was carrying numerous passengers, suddenly left the rails. The impact of the collision with a stone wall was substantial, causing significant damage to the front of the vintage-style vehicle.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operation
Emergency services worked swiftly to secure the area and extract those on board. The complex operation involved stabilising the carriage to prevent further movement and carefully assisting passengers to safety.
"The tram just suddenly jolted and went off the track. There was a loud noise and then people were screaming," one shaken witness told reporters at the scene. "It was terrifying."
Questions Over Safety and Infrastructure
The incident has immediately raised serious questions about the safety and maintenance of Lisbon's iconic but ageing tram network. The trams are a quintessential part of the city's charm and a huge draw for tourism, yet this accident highlights potential vulnerabilities.
Local authorities have confirmed an investigation is already underway to determine the precise cause of the derailment. Officials will be examining the track conditions, the mechanical state of the tram itself, and the actions of the operator leading up to the accident.
This crash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of maintaining historic transport infrastructure under the strain of heavy modern tourist use. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by both residents and the tourism industry.
