Lisbon, Portugal — A tragic accident involving one of the city’s beloved Gloria funicular railway cars left at least 15 people dead and 18 others injured on Wednesday. The incident occurred as the yellow tram, a staple of Lisbon’s transport system, derailed and crashed, shocking both residents and tourists.

Emergency officials reported that among the injured, five—one of whom is a child—sustained serious injuries, with some victims being foreign nationals. All individuals affected have since been retrieved from the wreckage, providing some measure of relief amidst the crisis. The National Institute for Medical Emergencies oversaw the response, rallying dozens of workers to the scene before most were released after a couple of hours.

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the event. Local residents described the tram barreling down the slope out of control, ultimately colliding with a building. “It struck with tremendous force, and it disintegrated like paper,” recalled a nearby resident, underscoring the force of the impact. Images from the site show the derailed vehicle flipped over, with significant damage to its structure.

Local authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident once the emergency response has concluded. This commitment comes as the community grapples with the loss and confusion surrounding the incident.

Condolences poured in from various officials. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the event as an “unprecedented tragedy,” announcing a citywide day of mourning to honor the victims. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his sorrow and extended sympathies to the grieving families. Other European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, voiced their support and solidarity, emphasizing the widespread impact of the tragedy.

The Gloria funicular, which has been a part of Lisbon’s landscape since 1885, connects the bustling downtown area near Restauradores Square with the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its nightlife. With two cars capable of carrying around 40 passengers each, the funicular is operated by the municipal transport authority, Carris, and serves approximately three million passengers annually.

As the city begins to deal with the aftermath of this disaster, many are left questioning how such an event could occur in a system that is integral to both daily life and tourism in Lisbon. The coming days will likely see a deep dive into safety protocols and operational oversight as authorities work to prevent similar incidents in the future.