Tragic accident in Lisbon, investigations: Cable snapped before tram crash

2025-09-07 10:28:25Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Portuguese officials investigating the deadly derailment of a tram in Lisbon on September 3rd have said that a broken cable appeared to be to blame, as the rest of the mechanism was working fine.

"Following investigations carried out at the scene, it was immediately confirmed that the cable connecting the two carriages was broken," the National Transport Office announced in a statement.

The driver attempted to use the emergency brakes, but was unable to prevent the collision, they said.

As a result, 16 people have died and 20 others have been injured after the iconic yellow tram, Gloria, crashed into a building.

Police said the dead included five Portuguese, three British, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss and a Frenchman.

The 140-year-old tram is designed to carry passengers through Lisbon's steep slopes and is an important means of transport for the city's residents, as well as an attraction for tourists.

According to investigators, the tram was traveling 60 kilometers per hour when it hit the building.

It is not yet known how many people have been traveling on this device – which is designed for 40 passengers – and how many of them have been on the road.

Portugal's Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, has described the case as "one of the greatest tragedies of our recent past."


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