At least 15 people killed and 18 others injured after streetcar derails in Lisbon

At least 15 people have been killed and 18 others injured after an electric streetcar in the Portuguese capital Lisbon derailed on Wednesday.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolences to those affected by the incident.

The yellow-and-white streetcar, which travels up and down a steep city hill, was lying on its side on the narrow road that it travels along, Portuguese television showed.

Its sides and top were partially crumpled. Several dozen emergency workers were at the scene.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known, local media said. It reportedly occurred at the start of the evening rush hour, at around 6 pm.

The funicular, known as Glória, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing.

It is commonly used by Lisbon residents.

This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates.