Multiple Incidents in Funchal: Fires, Accidents, and a Tragic Discovery
Madeira GuideFunchal faced a series of alarming incidents, including deliberate fires, a car accident, and a man found dead. Authorities and emergency services were mobilized to handle these events. Discover what happened and how it affects residents and tourists.
In a series of unsettling events in Funchal, emergency services were kept busy dealing with multiple incidents. These ranged from deliberate fires targeting waste containers to a traffic accident and a tragic discovery on the streets.
Fires Disrupt Funchal
On the night of January 29, 2026, the Bombeiros Sapadores do Funchal were called to respond to several fires deliberately set in waste containers. The incidents occurred first near Hotel Meliã and later on Rua da Carreira and Rua de São Francisco, where five containers were set ablaze. A total of nine firefighters attended the scene with a heavy vehicle and an ambulance.
Traffic Accident on Estrada de São João
Earlier on the same day, a traffic accident occurred on Estrada de São João. Involving a lateral collision between two vehicles, the accident resulted in a woman suffering chest injuries. She was promptly attended to by the Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa and transported to Hospital Dr Nélio Mendonça.
Man Found Dead on Public Street
Adding to the day's distressing events, a man in his 40s was found dead near Madeira Tecnopólo. Emergency services, including the EMIR and PSP, were dispatched. Initial reports indicate that the death was not due to sudden illness or foul play.
These incidents have highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and the swift response capabilities of Funchal's services. While the fires caused temporary disruptions, the community remains resilient in the face of such challenges.
Sources

Madeira Guide
Author