On Wednesday, September 3rd, a tram in Lisbon crashed into a building on Avenida da Liberdade, killing 16 people and injuring 20 others. This devastating event had a profound impact on the city.
When visiting Lisbon, Portugal, tourists often see the iconic, bright yellow trams climbing the city’s steep streets. While picturesque, these trams have become a source of frustration for locals, who frequently express annoyance at the large crowds of tourists that pack them. Lines to board the popular trams can stretch up to five hours. Originally intended as a means of public transportation for residents commuting to work, the system is now overwhelmed by the demands of tourism.
The Gloria tram line, which opened in 1885, travels approximately 900 feet through the heart of Lisbon. The short journey usually takes around three minutes and offers a scenic ride through the city’s historic streets. According to NBC, the tram operates using two carriages attached to opposite sides of a haulage cable powered by electric motors. As one carriage descends, its weight helps pull the other uphill, allowing for simultaneous movement while conserving energy.
As reported by the BBC, the tram derailed and crashed into a building, causing chaos in the area. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled the scene, leaving behind the wreckage of a once-reliable transport system. Sixty rescue personnel and 22 emergency vehicles responded to the disaster. Marianna Figueiredo, a tour guide, recalled seeing people “jump from the windows of the tram that was behind the crashed one.” Victims included nationals from Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, France, Britain, Ukraine, and the United States, according to police.
Euronews reported that a three-year-old German boy was found among the debris and, fortunately, survived. He was pulled to safety by a police officer. According to CNN, an independent investigation has been launched, though the cause of the accident remains unknown. Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased or injured.
On Thursday, the U.S. State Department confirmed the involvement of American citizens in the incident. “Our staff in Lisbon and here in the United States are working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to the victim and their family,” a spokesperson said. “The embassy is working closely with local authorities to assist U.S. citizens in the affected area and continues to monitor the situation closely. We extend our condolences to the victims and families of all those affected.”
