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Series of Accidents and Incidents Shake Funchal

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
January 31, 2026
3 min read

A series of accidents and incidents have occurred in Funchal, Madeira, involving a vehicle rollover, a pedestrian accident, a container fire, a road accident, and an unexpected death.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, Portugal, has witnessed a series of unfortunate events over the past few days. These incidents have drawn significant attention from local emergency services and the community.

Vehicle Rollover at Hospital Roundabout

Early in the morning of January 31, 2026, a vehicle rollover occurred at the roundabout near Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital. The driver, a man in his 30s, managed to escape the overturned vehicle unassisted and was subsequently taken to the hospital for a check-up. The incident required the intervention of 11 firefighters and three vehicles.

Pedestrian Accident on Avenida Sá Carneiro

Minutes after the rollover, at 6:20 AM, another emergency unfolded when a 39-year-old man was hit by a vehicle on Avenida Sá Carneiro. The victim sustained minor injuries and was transported to the same hospital for treatment.

Fires in Waste Containers

On the night of January 30, 2026, and into the early hours of January 31, several fires were set in waste containers around Funchal. These incidents occurred first near the Hotel Meliã and later on Rua da Carreira and São Francisco, resulting in the destruction of five containers. Nine firefighters, supported by a heavy vehicle and an ambulance, managed the situation.

Road Accident on Estrada de São João

In another traffic-related incident, a woman was involved in a side-impact collision on Estrada de São João. She experienced chest pain and was treated by the Portuguese Red Cross before being transported to the hospital.

Man Found Dead Near Madeira Tecnopólo

On January 29, 2026, a man in his 40s was found deceased in a public area near Madeira Tecnopólo. Authorities confirmed that the death was neither sudden nor suspicious, eliminating the possibility of foul play.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by local emergency services and underscore the importance of safety and vigilance for both residents and visitors of Madeira.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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