Death Toll Rises In Streetcar Crash

The death toll in a crash involving a popular funicular railway that derailed in Lisbon, Portugal, rose to 17 as a national day of mourning was issued for the country, NBC News reports.

At least 21 people were injured during the accident, which is considered to be the worst in the capital city's recent history. The streetcar, known as Elevador da Glória, was reported to still be lying on its side in crumpled wreckage next to the building it crashed into as of Thursday (September 4) morning. Parts of the vehicle were crushed, while its top and side were crumpled, following the crash.

Investigators are still working to determine what caused the accidents, though officials declined public speculation on a potential damage brake or snapped cable playing a factor. Homicide investigators were among the officials probing the crash, a spokesperson for Portugal's judiciary police confirmed to NBC News.

Pathologists from the National Forensics Institute were reported to be working on autopsies for the victims killed in the accident. The injured victims were reported to be receiving treatment at several hospitals within the Lisbon region.

Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced a national day of mourning and canceled his trip to a book festival following the accident while issuing a statement offering “solidarity to the families affected from this great tragedy," while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called it "a tragedy of the like we've never seen."