Lisbon Streetcar Crash Kills 17 Portugal Declares National Mourning

A tragic streetcar crash in Lisbon involving the historic Elevador da Glória funicular resulted in 17 deaths and over 20 injuries, making it the worst accident in the city's recent history. The accident occurred during the evening rush hour as the streetcar, a popular tourist attraction known for its scenic route up and down a steep hill, derailed and crashed into a building, with eyewitnesses describing the vehicle as out of control and seemingly without brakes. Victims included both Portuguese nationals and foreign tourists from multiple countries, underscoring the streetcar's popularity among visitors. Authorities have not released detailed information about the deceased or injured and have launched an investigation into the cause, with officials declining to speculate on whether a brake failure or snapped cable was responsible. Teams of pathologists worked through the night performing autopsies, while the wreckage remained cordoned off for investigation. Portugal observed a national day of mourning following the disaster, reflecting the profound impact on the community.