The accident occurred on the evening of 3/9 on a steep section of the historic Gloria tram line, near Liberty Avenue in Lisbon, Portugal. “This is an unprecedented tragedy in our city,” Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas said.

SIC television channel quoted witnesses as saying the tram, with a capacity of about 40 people, crashed into the building after descending the hill “at full speed”. “It hit the building with tremendous force and crumpled like a cardboard box. There was no sign of braking,” a witness said.

Images on social media showed a smoke-filled scene and the mangled tram. Local authorities said all victims had been removed from the wreckage. At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured, including foreigners. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Pedro Bogas, head of the Carris Lisbon public transport network, said they had “strictly adhered” to all maintenance procedures, with a complete overhaul every 4 years, the most recent being in 2022. Mid-life maintenance is carried out every two years, most recently in 2024.

He added that the tram's maintenance has been handled by an outside contractor for the past 14 years.

The scene of the tram accident in Lisbon, Portugal on 3/9. Photo: AFP

The Portuguese government declared a day of national mourning on 4/9. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the tragedy “caused grief for the families of the victims and shock for the country.”

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her “deep sadness at the news of the accident” and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

The Gloria line is considered Lisbon’s most famous tram route. It began operating in 1885 and was electrified in 1915.

Thuy Lam (According to AFP, CNN)