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Associated Press

Fifteen killed in Lisbon streetcar derailment

Thursday 7:44am
Emergency teams work at the site of a derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal.

Emergency services say 15 people were killed and 18 injured in a streetcar derailment in Lisbon.

Five of the injured are in serious condition, the National Institute for Medical Emergencies said in a statement. An unknown number of the injured are foreigners, it said.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolences to the families affected by what had happened.

Foreigners among dead in tragic Portugal funicular crash - watch on TVNZ+

The yellow-and-white streetcar, which goes up and down a steep city hill in tandem with one going the opposite way, was lying on its side on the narrow road that it travels along, Portuguese television channels showed. Its sides and top were partially crumpled. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene.

The electric streetcars are one of Lisbon’s landmarks and a big draw for tourists. (Source: Associated Press/Reuters) (Source: Associated Press)

The cause of the accident was not immediately known, local media said. It reportedly occurred at the start of the evening rush hour, around 6pm (local time).

The streetcar, known as Gloria, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents.

The streetcar, technically called a funicular, is known as Elevador da Gloria. Two streetcars run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred meters.

It is classified as a national monument.

Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year, and the streetcar is a popular attraction.

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