Bus hits crowd at Sintra station near Lisbon, killing two women and injuring at least 20
Two women died and at least 20 people were hurt when a city bus lost control in a tunnel and struck a crowded bus stop in Sintra, west of Lisbon, on Tuesday morning.
What happened
A municipal bus entered a tunnel near the Sintra bus and train station on Tuesday morning. The driver lost control, hit a pillar, then careered into a group of people waiting at the stop. Two women, aged between 30 and 40, were killed. The bus came to a halt at the station, according to local authorities.
The two victims were waiting for the bus when they were hit.
Casualties and rescue
Emergency services gave a preliminary toll of three to four people in serious condition, with overall injury counts ranging from 20 to 22. Most of the lightly injured were passengers inside the bus who had been about to alight, a police officer said. Large emergency resources, including a psychological intervention unit, were deployed to the scene. The wounded were taken to hospitals in Sintra and Lisbon. Police confirmed that no foreign tourists were among the victims.
Investigation
Authorities have not yet established why the driver lost control. The municipal bus operator issued a statement expressing "its deepest regret". Francisco Alves, commander of the Sintra municipal police, told local media that the bus first struck a pillar before hitting the people at the stop. An investigation is under way.
Official reactions
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro reacted on the social media platform X, saying he had learned of the accident with deep consternation. Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its palaces and gardens, draws large numbers of tourists, but authorities stressed that the casualties were local residents.
