LISBON – A popular tourist tram carrying visitors through Lisbon's historic Alfama district derailed and crashed in a devastating accident on Thursday, leaving three people dead and several others injured in what local authorities are calling a "profound tragedy".
Shocking eyewitness accounts describe the moment the iconic yellow Tram 28 left the tracks and collided with a stationary vehicle, sending panic through the narrow, cobbled streets of one of Lisbon's most picturesque neighbourhoods.
Chaotic Scenes as First Responders Rush to Aid Victims
Passersby and local residents immediately rushed to the crumpled carriage, desperately attempting to free trapped passengers before emergency services arrived on the scene. The historic quarter's confined streets initially hampered rescue efforts, with ambulances and fire crews navigating the challenging terrain to reach the injured.
"It was complete chaos – people were screaming, the tram was twisted almost beyond recognition," recounted Miguel Santos, a local shopkeeper who was among the first to respond. "We did everything we could to help those inside, but the damage was severe."
International Visitors Among Casualties
While authorities have not yet released the nationalities of all victims, preliminary reports indicate that tourists from several countries were aboard the tram at the time of the accident. The iconic Tram 28 route is particularly popular with international visitors seeking to experience Lisbon's historic charm.
Portuguese police have launched a full investigation into the cause of the derailment, with early speculation focusing on the tram's speed and the challenging topography of the Alfama district's steep, winding streets.
Transport Safety Under Scrutiny
This tragic incident has raised urgent questions about the safety of Lisbon's beloved but ageing tram network, which has become both a functional transport system and a major tourist attraction. The city's iconic trams regularly navigate narrow streets with gradients that challenge even modern vehicles.
Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, has announced an immediate safety review of the entire tram network, stating: "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We will conduct a thorough investigation to understand how this tragedy occurred and ensure it never happens again."
The tram involved in Thursday's accident has been removed for technical analysis as the investigation continues.
