On the 9th of November in 1985, the Moimenta-Alcafache train crash became the worst railway accident in Portugal's history when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train. The collision happened near the small town of Moimenta-Alcafache, situated in the Viseu district. The passenger train had been traveling from the city of Oporto to Lisbon, and factors including human error and negligence were contributors to the tragedy. Miscommunication between the signaling station and the train's crew was a pivotal issue, as the freight train was on the same track without proper clearance for the impending passenger train. Another significant aspect was the lack of automatic warning systems that could have prevented such accidents at the time.

As emergency services rushed to the scene, they found wreckage scattered over a wide area, with both trains heavily damaged. Rescue efforts revealed a high number of injuries, with dozens reported dead, making it one of the deadliest rail accidents in the country. Survivors described the horrific moments of the crash and the chaos that ensued. The aftermath of the incident led to widespread public outcry about the inadequacies of railway safety in Portugal.

In response to the accident, the government and railway authorities initiated investigations and implemented reforms in railway safety protocols. They focused on improving communication systems, training for signaling staff, and investing in technology that could help avoid similar tragedies in the future. These efforts aimed to restore public confidence in the rail transport system of Portugal, and the incident served as a somber reminder of the importance of safety standards.