Landmark streetcar in Lisbon derails, killing 15 people

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BARRY HATTON
Updated 3:46 PM CDT, September 3, 2025

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — An electric streetcar that is one of Lisbon’s landmarks and a big draw for tourists derailed Wednesday, killing 15 people and injuring 18 others, emergency services said.

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

Authorities called it an accident, the worst in the city’s recent history, and it cast a pall over Lisbon’s charm for the millions of foreign tourists who arrive every year.

The yellow-and-white streetcar, which goes up and down a steep downtown hill in tandem with one going the opposite way, was lying on its side on the narrow road that it travels along.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/streetcar-derails-lisbon-d63600ff5092969b088507bbccf44aab

[mainer]

1. OMG. I was just riding it in Lisbon a few weeks ago.

It's one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon.

[Jokerman]

2. Sounds like a cable car that got disconnected from the cable.

They said "electric" which could still be correct but cars that run in tandem are usually connected. Also, it looks like a cable trough in one of the photos.

[Polybius]

3. Here's what it looked like before the crash

https://youtube.com/shorts/tlLRgOrCeJI

[hunter]

4. I'm reminded of the 2001 Angels Flight Accident in Los Angeles, although this one was much worse.

The investigation of that accident turned up some jaw-dropping design flaws, neglected maintenance, and improper repairs and brake test procedures.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_Flight#2001_accident

The investigation of this accident will certainly turn up similar horrors.