LISBON, Portugal — A tragic accident involving a famous electric streetcar in Lisbon has left 15 people dead and 18 others injured, including a child, after it derailed and crashed on Wednesday evening. This incident, described as one of the worst transportation disasters in recent memory for the city, occurred during what is typically a busy rush hour.

Emergency services reported that several of the injured are in serious condition. Rescue operations lasted over two hours, with all victims ultimately extracted from the wreckage. Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes as the streetcar, known as the Elevador da Gloria, sped uncontrollably down a steep hill, eventually crashing into a nearby building.

As the news broke, local authorities immediately classified the event as an accident. Although the precise cause remains under investigation, city officials expressed their condolences to the victims and their families, heralding the incident as a deep tragedy that has cast a shadow over Lisbon’s vibrant tourism scene. The Elevador da Gloria is a cherished locale for both locals and visitors, known for its picturesque journey through the city’s historic districts.

The streetcar was reportedly seen on its side, a twisted wreck lying against the building. Eyewitness accounts depicted a scene of chaos, with some riders fleeing moments before the disaster, while others ran toward the wreckage, screaming for help. “It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box,” one witness told local media.

In response to the disaster, Carris, the operator of the streetcar service, announced that all scheduled maintenance had been conducted properly prior to the accident. The company has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the factors leading to this catastrophe. In the wake of the incident, city officials ordered an immediate inspection of all streetcars in the area.

Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas declared the city to be in mourning, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families. The Portuguese government has since announced a day of national mourning to honor those who lost their lives. “A tragic accident has caused an irreparable loss of human life, which has left the entire nation sorrowful,” stated governmental officials.

International leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressed their condolences on social media. The incident has drawn attention not only in Portugal but also abroad, reflecting the impact of such tragedies on global communities.

The Elevador da Gloria has been serving the public since 1885, making it a crucial part of Lisbon’s cultural heritage. It typically transports more than 40 passengers at a time, moving up and down a steep hill that is a favored route for tourists exploring the city’s sights. Last year, Lisbon welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists eager to experience its historical beauty.

As investigators begin their work, the future of this iconic transport service hangs in the balance, and many will be looking closely at how safety measures are reassessed in the wake of such a devastating event.