Back to News
News

A Day of Emergencies in Funchal: Accidents and Rescues Keep Firefighters Busy

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
February 1, 2026
3 min read

On January 31, 2026, Funchal's emergency services faced a series of incidents from a rescue of an elderly woman to multiple road accidents, highlighting the city's emergency response capabilities.

On January 31, 2026, Funchal's emergency services were kept exceptionally busy with a series of incidents that underscored the critical role of the city's firefighters and emergency responders.

Elderly Woman Rescued in Funchal

The first major incident involved the rescue of a 78-year-old woman who had been unreachable for two days. The Bombeiros Voluntários Madeirenses, in conjunction with the local police, forced entry into her residence on Rua Cidade do Cabo. The woman was found on the floor, having suffered a fall, and was promptly transported to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça for further care.

Car Accidents Across the City

Later in the day, the Bombeiros Sapadores do Funchal responded to a car overturning at the rotunda near the hospital at 5:30 AM. The driver, a man in his 30s, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the same hospital. This incident required the deployment of 11 firefighters with three vehicles.

Another significant accident occurred on Avenida Sá Carneiro when a 39-year-old pedestrian was hit by a vehicle. The man incurred minor injuries and was quickly attended to by the emergency services, again being transported to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça.

Vehicle Fire on Estrada do Lazareto

In a more dramatic incident, a vehicle lost control and caught fire after crashing into a wall on Estrada do Lazareto. The driver sustained a head injury, and the situation was managed by 10 firefighters with two vehicles. The rapid response prevented further escalation of the fire.

These events highlight the frequent challenges faced by the emergency services in Funchal and their readiness to handle a variety of crises, showcasing their essential role in maintaining the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.

Sources

Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

Author