A carriage on one of Lisbon's most iconic tourist attractions, the Glória funicular railway, derailed and crashed on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The popular tram-like form of transport is designed to navigate steep slopes.
Portuguese authorities have confirmed that 16 people were killed, revising an earlier figure of 17. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the derailment.
The accident happened around 18:15 near Avenida da Liberdade, prompting over 60 rescue personnel and 22 vehicles to respond to the scene. Eyewitness reports suggest that a cable may have come loose, leading to the loss of control and a deadly collision with a building.
Emergency crews found an overturned yellow carriage lying on the cobblestone street, with some passengers reportedly trapped inside and needing to be freed by responders. There were also scenes of chaos as people evacuated the area.
Among those who perished were five Portuguese, three Britons, and tourists from South Korea, Canada, the U.S., France, Ukraine, and Switzerland. Additionally, numerous individuals suffered injuries, with several requiring intensive care.
The Glória funicular is a vital transportation route for both tourists and locals in Lisbon, providing a link between the city’s hills and central locations. Opened in 1885, the funicular can carry around 40 passengers. Current assessments indicate that maintenance protocols have been adhered to, yet the investigation will delve deeper into what went wrong.
The nation observed a day of mourning as condolences poured in from government officials, the local community, and international leaders, expressing solidarity and support for the affected families.
