A dramatic incident unfolded on the Beira Baixa Line near Alpedrinha, Fundão, when an Intercidades train collided with a truck, leading to a fire that engulfed the truck and spread to two train carriages. The accident resulted in four minor injuries, with several others receiving on-site medical attention. Hélder Silva, the sub-regional commander of the Serra da Estrela Civil Protection, reported to Observador radio that over 50 passengers escaped unharmed, though rescue teams were still assessing the situation at the scene.
Paulo Fernandes, the Mayor of Fundão, mentioned to RTP that the railway barriers were down at the time of the accident. Meanwhile, CP (Comboios de Portugal) stated in a release that passengers were being transferred to buses, with the company closely monitoring developments.
Passengers aboard the train described hearing a loud crash before noticing the fire and evacuating the carriages. Teresa Mira, 65, who was heading to Vila Franca de Xira, recounted the moment: "I had been on the train for less than five minutes when I heard a loud noise and saw a lot of smoke." Similarly, Rodrigo Bento, 22, shared his harrowing experience of feeling the train shake violently and hearing repeated shouts about the fire, leading to a frantic escape from the burning carriage.
The collision, reported around 8:00 PM, mobilized 177 emergency personnel and 65 vehicles to the site, as per the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection's website.
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