Devastating Cable Car Accident in Portugal's Capital
A tragic accident took place in the heart of Portugal's capital, Lisbon, when an iconic cable car crashed into a building. The horrifying incident resulted in the loss of at least 17 lives and left 20 more with injuries, some severe. Investigations are still ongoing to identify the cause of the accident.
The Fateful Event
An observer near the base of the hill described the terrifying scene, explaining that the cable car seemed to lose control as it rushed down the steep cobblestone path. The collision with the building was so loud, it was likened to the sound of an explosion, followed by an eerie silence and a cloud of dark smoke.
The aftermath was chaos, with distressed and crying people rushing to the scene. The observer described the incident as "awful" and left her feeling shaken.
A video confirmed the scene of the accident, showing the wreckage of the white and yellow tram against the building at a bend in the hill. Another tram was halted at the bottom of the hill, with people seen rushing up towards the crash site.
Understanding the Cable Car System
The cable car system that witnessed the accident is a 140-year-old electric motor-run funicular. The system comprises of two carriages connected to a cable, allowing one to descend while the other ascends. This system enables brief passing during the short, three-minute one-way journey.
Witnesses explained how the lower carriage, which was beginning to ascend, reversed a short distance before the upper carriage hurtled down the slope and into the building. One witness heard a loud, unnerving screech just a minute before the crash.
They described seeing the lower carriage recoil past the usual stopping point, making a hard stop at the end of the tracks. A passenger in this carriage shared their experience of moving only a few meters before a loud explosion and black smoke engulfed the scene. They described people falling and screams filling the carriage.
The Aftermath
The observer shared how she saw dark debris flying and heard screams as the driver hurried to open the gates. She described seeing people leaping out of the tram's window. At the same time, she saw the upper carriage crash into a building.
Another witness shared their experience of rushing to assist after the lower carriage's sudden stop, only to see the upper carriage coming down at full speed and out of control. They barely had time to escape and run away from the scene before the carriage hit the building with enormous force.
An eyewitness described the impact as brutal, likening the collapsed carriage to a crumpled cardboard box. She also shared her belief that the vehicle was out of control and seemingly brakeless. She and others began running away, fearing the carriage would hit the one below, but it crashed into a building around the bend instead.
A shop owner who rushed to the scene after witnessing the accident described the gruesome sight: "I've never seen so many people dead together."
The Victims
Details about the victims are still being gathered and a national day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to honor those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.