A police pursuit that began in Lisbon ended in a collision in Algés on Saturday, leaving three people injured and the driver under arrest, according to Observador.
The crash occurred after a vehicle fled from authorities at what Notícias ao Minuto described as an "extremely high" speed. The car caught fire following the impact, and the three occupants were taken to hospital, Observador reports. Diário de Notícias said one of the injured was in serious condition, while the other two suffered minor injuries, according to Renascença.
The driver, who was detained at the scene, did not hold a valid driving licence, RTP and Diário de Notícias both reported. The pursuit and subsequent accident forced the closure of the Algés-Lisbon road for a period, Renascença added.
Local emergency services responded to the scene in the early hours of Saturday morning, with traffic disruptions reported as crews worked to clear the wreckage and treat the injured. The exact circumstances that triggered the initial police chase have not been detailed in the reports available.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about high-speed pursuits in urban areas, where the risk of collateral damage and serious injury is elevated. Portuguese authorities have previously debated the protocols for engaging in such chases, balancing the need to apprehend suspects against public safety.
All three injured individuals were transported to hospital for medical care, though their current conditions have not been updated in the reports. The detained driver now faces potential charges related to the chase, the collision, and driving without a licence.
Further details on the legal proceedings and the victims' recovery are expected to emerge in the coming days as police complete their investigation.
