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Incidents in Madeira: Medical Emergency, Tourist Fall, and Assault

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
January 20, 2026
3 min read

In a series of unfortunate events on January 19, 2026, Madeira witnessed a tragic medical emergency, a tourist's fall, and an assault incident. The local emergency services were actively engaged in managing these situations.

On January 19, 2026, Madeira Island was the scene of three significant incidents prompting emergency responses. The first incident involved a tragic medical emergency in Machico, where a woman suffered a cardiac arrest.

The Municipal Firefighters of Machico and EMIR were dispatched to Rua Conselheiro José Ribeiro da Cunha in central Machico. Despite their swift response and attempts to revive the woman, she sadly did not survive the cardiac arrest.

Tourist Fall on Levada do Norte

On the same day, a 77-year-old English tourist experienced a severe fall while hiking the Levada do Norte, a popular walking path known for its scenic views. The incident occurred in the Foro area, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos.

The tourist, who was with her husband and a group, fell from a height of 10 meters, sustaining a deep head wound and injuries to her leg and cervical area. The Câmara de Lobos Voluntary Firefighters conducted the rescue, which required navigating challenging terrain far from the road. She was transported to Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça for further treatment.

Assault in Funchal

Later that evening, another distressing event unfolded in Funchal. A tourist in her 60s reported being assaulted and robbed on Rua Bela Santiago. Despite the incident, she declined transportation to the hospital.

These events highlight the importance of safety measures, whether in urban settings or while exploring Madeira's natural attractions. Emergency services were commendably responsive in each situation, underscoring the island's commitment to public safety.

Sources

Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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