A tragic car accident near the US Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal, claimed the lives of six young people early Sunday morning. The fatal incident involved a BMW 520 and occurred around 3:31 a.m., according to Police Commissioner Dinarte Diniz.
The aftermath of the accident was a grim sight, with the BMW reduced to a charred shell. The vehicle reportedly struck a curb on Avenida das Forças Armadas, adjacent to the embassy, causing the driver to lose control. The resulting crash ignited a fire, leading to the unfortunate fatalities.
The victims, three men and three women, were reported to be between the ages of 18 and 20. A police officer stationed at the US Embassy, who witnessed the incident, was the first to alert emergency services.
By the time first responders arrived at the scene, the vehicle was already engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, nothing could be done to save the occupants of the car. The police commissioner noted that the car was a five-seater, suggesting that at least one of the victims may not have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The bodies were subsequently transported to the Institute of Legal Medicine for identification. Preliminary reports suggest that the victims were acquainted with each other, although their identities and nationalities have not yet been disclosed.
The Avenida das Forças Armadas, or Armed Forces Avenue, was temporarily closed for cleanup and investigation. It was reopened by 11 a.m., according to local reports.