Lisbon's Iconic Tram 28 Derails in Crash, Killing 15

Emergency teams work at the site of derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Sept 3. 2025 Armando Franca/AP

September 3, 2025 – Lisbon, Portugal – A tragic accident shook Lisbon on Tuesday afternoon when the city’s iconic Tram 28, a beloved symbol of the Portuguese capital, derailed and crashed in the historic Alfama district, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. The incident, one of the deadliest in the city’s modern history, has left residents and tourists in shock and prompted an immediate investigation into the cause of the derailment.

The crash occurred around 3:45 PM local time near the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a popular vantage point offering sweeping views of the Tagus River. According to eyewitnesses, the yellow tram, part of Lisbon’s historic fleet that navigates the city’s steep and narrow streets, lost control on a sharp curve, derailed, and collided with a nearby building. The impact caused significant damage to the tram and the structure, trapping passengers and scattering debris across the cobblestone street.

Preliminary reports indicate that the tram was carrying approximately 40 passengers, a mix of local commuters and tourists drawn to the scenic route that winds through Lisbon’s picturesque neighborhoods. Emergency services, including firefighters, paramedics, and police, rushed to the scene, where they worked for hours to extricate survivors and recover the deceased. Of the injured, 22 were transported to local hospitals, with eight listed in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.

“It was horrific,” said Maria Costa, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the crash. “The tram came around the corner faster than usual, and then there was this terrible screeching sound before it slammed into the building. People were screaming, and we ran to help, but it was chaos.”

Tram 28, known for its nostalgic charm and role as a tourist attraction, has been a fixture in Lisbon since the 1930s, ferrying passengers through historic districts like Graça, Alfama, and Bairro Alto. The route’s steep inclines, tight turns, and aging infrastructure have long raised concerns about safety, though officials have insisted that regular maintenance and inspections mitigate risks.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed his condolences in a press conference, calling the incident “a dark day for our city.” He announced that the tram system would be temporarily suspended pending a thorough investigation. “We are committed to understanding what caused this tragedy and ensuring it never happens again,” Moedas said. Initial theories point to possible brake failure, track issues, or human error, but authorities have not yet confirmed a cause.

Portugal’s Transport Safety Agency (Agência Nacional de Segurança nos Transportes) is leading the investigation, with support from international experts. Inspectors are examining the tram’s mechanical systems, the condition of the tracks, and the operator’s actions. Data from onboard systems and nearby surveillance cameras will also be analyzed. The tram’s operator, a 15-year veteran with no prior incidents, was among the injured and is currently unable to provide a statement.

The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media platforms like X, where users have shared tributes to the victims and memories of riding Tram 28. “Heartbroken for Lisbon. Tram 28 was my favorite way to see the city, and now it’s the scene of such loss,” one user posted. Others have renewed calls for modernizing the tram system, with some arguing that the aging vehicles, while iconic, may not meet contemporary safety standards.

Tourism officials worry the crash could impact Lisbon’s image as a safe destination, particularly as the city gears up for the busy autumn season. Tram 28 is a staple in guidebooks and draws thousands of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. “This is a blow to our city’s spirit, but we will come together to heal and rebuild trust,” said Ana Mendes, a spokesperson for Visit Lisbon.

The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of families. Among the deceased are reportedly both Portuguese nationals and foreign tourists, though exact details remain unconfirmed. Counseling services have been made available to survivors, witnesses, and first responders traumatized by the event.

As Lisbon mourns, flags across the city have been lowered to half-mast, and a vigil is planned for Friday evening at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. The investigation is expected to take weeks, with preliminary findings due by mid-September. For now, the twisted wreckage of Tram 28 serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy, as the city grapples with loss and questions about the future of its cherished tram system.