"LISBON, Portugal -- 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."
"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, Portuguese television channels showed. Its sides and top were partially crumpled, and it appeared to have crashed into a building where the road bends. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene but most stood down after about two hours."
"Eyewitnesses told local media that the streetcar careened down the hill, apparently out of control. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas told reporters at the scene that the city was in mourning. "This was a tragic accident ... It's a tragedy of the like we've never seen." President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolence to affected families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also sent her condolences."
An electric funicular known as Elevador da Gloria derailed in downtown Lisbon during the evening rush hour, causing 15 deaths and injuring 18 people. Five of the injured are in serious condition and a child was among the wounded; some victims may be foreigners. The yellow-and-white streetcar was found lying on its side on a narrow hill road, its sides and top partially crumpled and apparently crashed into a building at a bend. Eyewitnesses reported the vehicle careened down the slope, apparently out of control. Authorities described the event as an accident, initiated rescue operations, and said an investigation will begin after the rescue effort. City and European leaders offered condolences.
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