Overview
- A regional train struck a herd near Montemor-o-Velho on 28 December, killing 89 sheep and coming to a stop about 540 metres after the impact.
- The operator Infraestruturas de Portugal says the collision caused damage to the train and major service disruption and has formally demanded roughly €26,000–€26,400 from the two shepherds.
- Authorities reported that the incident led to six trains cancelled, two partially cancelled, and 36 connections delayed by a total of 580 minutes, figures the operator used to calculate losses.
- The two shepherds reject the claim and, through their lawyer Vítor Gaspar, argue the deaths were an accident that fall within the ordinary risks of rail traffic and will contest liability in court.
- Legal outcome will hinge on proof of negligence, local grazing or fencing practices, and Portuguese liability rules for livestock on or near rail lines, and the case could set a precedent for similar rural incidents.