A major emergency response was triggered in the historic heart of Lisbon on Wednesday after a beloved funicular train derailed and overturned, leaving a trail of casualties.
The dramatic incident, which occurred on the city's iconic tram network, resulted in multiple injuries and prompted a large-scale rescue operation. According to local authorities, emergency services, including firefighters and medical personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene on Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Chaos and Rescue in the Alfama District
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the quaint, yellow tourist tram lay on its side. Passengers were helped to safety by first responders and fellow travellers amidst the wreckage. The precise cause of the derailment remains unclear and is now the subject of an official investigation.
Local officials confirmed that at least ten individuals sustained injuries in the accident. The victims were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While the full extent of their injuries is still being assessed, early reports suggest most are suffering from minor to moderate wounds, including fractures and lacerations.
A City in Shock
The derailment has sent shockwaves through the city, where the historic tram lines are not just a transport network but a symbol of Lisbon's charm and a major draw for tourists. The line involved is a key route connecting the popular neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto and Alfama, areas known for their steep, narrow streets.
Service on the line has been suspended indefinitely as investigators from Portugal's National Authority for Road and Rail Safety (ANSF) begin their work to determine what led to the catastrophic failure.
