A picturesque tram ride through Lisbon's oldest district turned to tragedy on Thursday when a vehicle carrying tourists derailed, killing 16 people and injuring dozens more in one of Portugal's worst transport accidents in living memory.
Among the victims were three British nationals, whose families have been notified and are receiving consular support from the Foreign Office during this devastating time.
The Moment of Impact
The catastrophic incident occurred in the steep, narrow streets of Alfama, a historic neighbourhood popular with tourists for its traditional architecture and iconic tram routes. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the number 28 tram—a beloved symbol of Lisbon—left the tracks around midday.
"We heard an enormous noise, like metal scraping and then a terrible crash," recounted local shopkeeper Maria Silva, who rushed to help. "People were screaming, there was blood everywhere. It was something from a nightmare."
Emergency Response and Rescue Operation
Portuguese emergency services mounted a massive response, with over 100 firefighters, paramedics, and police officers working tirelessly at the scene. The difficult terrain and confined space of the medieval streets presented significant challenges for rescue teams attempting to reach casualties.
Victims were transported to multiple hospitals across Lisbon, with medical staff working through the night to treat the injured. At least 28 people remain hospitalised, with several in critical condition according to health authorities.
International Victims and Diplomatic Response
While the majority of victims were Portuguese, the tragedy has international dimensions with citizens from several European countries affected. Alongside the three British fatalities, nationals from Spain, France, and Germany were among those killed or injured.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences, stating: "My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives in this awful tragedy, including several British nationals. The UK government is providing consular support and will assist the Portuguese authorities in any way we can."
Investigation Underway
Portuguese authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the derailment. Early speculation points to possible brake failure on the steep gradient, though officials stress it is too early to determine the exact cause.
The tram involved in the accident, which dates from the 1930s, had undergone recent maintenance according to transport company records. Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, has announced a full safety review of the city's entire tram network while the investigation continues.
This tragic event marks the deadliest tram accident in Portugal's history and has cast a shadow over one of Europe's most picturesque cities, where the cheerful yellow trams have long been symbols of charm and heritage rather than danger.
