How the Lisbon tram crash that killed 16 unfolded as locals blame 'overtourism'
Here is how the deadly Lisbon tram crash unfolded, as locals blame 'overtourism' for contributing to the crisis.
Yesterday evening (3 September), Lisbon's famous Glória funicular tram crashed into the side of a building lining a steep cobbled street, shortly after 6pm.
Witnesses described how the iconic yellow carriage 'collapsed like a cardboard box' upon slamming into the hotel corner, near the Portuguese capital's central Avenida da Liberdade boulevard.
Videos from the scene revealed the chaotic aftermath of the crash, with smoke filling the air as onlookers rushed over to aid injured passengers.
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According to the BBC, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said 16 people - both locals and foreign nationals - are confirmed to have died in the crash, with at least another 20 reported to be injured, some critically.
How did Lisbon's Elevador da Glória funicular crash?
On 3 September just after 6pm, the Glória funicular began a downhill descent from the Bairro Alto quarter to the downtown Restauradores Square.
According to witness accounts shared by MailOnline, people waiting at the lower station recalled seeing the lower railcar suddenly jolt forward. Meanwhile, the car travelling downward suffered a fault with its cable, meaning the car was left to descend the steep hill without any brakes.
The faulty car was then unable to complete a sharp turn near the bottom of the route and flipped onto its side, with locals describing how the car appeared to fall apart 'like a cardboard box' upon impact.
Lisbon Firefighters Regiment has stated they believe the brake failure was caused by a cable coming loose in the car's structure.
Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the accident, with the line - which is operated by the company Carris - understood to have received maintenance checks last year.
The deaths caused by the crash includes the car's brake operator as well as Portuguese, German, Spanish, Canadian, Cape Verdean, French, Italian, Moroccan, South Korean and Swiss nationals.
All the individuals killed are understood to be adults.
Lisbon city mayor Carlos Moedas has since confirmed the city is in mourning in a statement.
"This is a tragedy that has never happened before in our city," he said.
"Now is the time for action and help. I thank everyone for their response in just a few minutes. The only thing I can say is that it’s a very tragic day."
Why are locals blaming 'overtourism' for the Lisbon tram crash?
As officials investigate the cause of the crash, some locals have pointed to 'overtourism'.
During an interview with BBC's Radio 4 Today Programme, Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents' Association, said that 'excessive tourism' may have contributed to the crash.
The picturesque funicular line has become increasingly popular with visitors over recent years, meaning that locals now struggle to use it for commuting.
"The use of it in recent years is certainly inappropriate," she said.
"It was used too much and the population lost the ability to use it as public transport, because it became a tourist attraction."
Topics: World News, Travel
Brenna Cooper