A devastating accident struck Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular on September 3, 2025, when the historic cable railway derailed and crashed into a building, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 others.
The incident happened around 6:05 PM local time near Avenida da Liberdade, during the evening rush hour, turning a popular tourist spot into a scene of horror.
Emergency services rushed to the site, pulling survivors from the wreckage, while Portugal declared a national day of mourning.
This tragedy shocks the nation and international visitors, with investigations underway as of 10:45 AM IST today, Friday, September 5, 2025.
Incident Details and Casualties
The Gloria funicular, a yellow-and-white tram-like vehicle carrying up to 43 passengers, derailed while descending the steep hill from Bairro Alto to Restauradores Square.
Footage shows the carriage overturned, mangled, and crashed into a building, with smoke filling the air and passengers fleeing in panic.
Witnesses described the tram speeding “out of control without brakes,” hitting the structure with “brutal force” and collapsing “like a cardboard box.”
One bystander told Portuguese TV channel SIC, “It fell around the bend and crashed—we all started running away.”
Another said, “The vehicle was spiralling before it vanished from sight.”
At least 15 people died, including foreign nationals, though identities remain unconfirmed to notify families.
Eighteen others suffered injuries, with five in serious condition and a child among those hurt with minor wounds. The injured went to hospitals like Santa Maria and São José.
Emergency teams, including firefighters, paramedics, and the air ambulance, arrived within minutes, freeing trapped victims over two hours.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas visited the hospital that night, calling it “a tragedy our city has never seen.”
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed “sympathy and solidarity,” while the government declared a national day of mourning on September 4.
The Gloria Funicular: History and How It Works
The Elevador da Glória, opened in 1885 as Lisbon’s second funicular, connects the downtown Baixa district with the vibrant Bairro Alto neighborhood over a 260-meter (850-foot) steep, cobbled route.
Electrified in 1915 after initial water-powered operation, it runs every 12 minutes from 7:15 AM to 11:55 PM, taking three minutes uphill.
Two parallel cars, each holding about 40 passengers, operate on a counterweight system: electric motors haul steel cables, with the descending car’s weight pulling the ascending one.
Managed by Carris, Lisbon’s public transport company, it carries three million passengers yearly, mostly tourists enjoying panoramic views.
As a national monument since 2002, it symbolizes the city’s hilly charm but now faces safety scrutiny.
Reports suggest a loose cable caused the derailment, leading to loss of control.
Carris insists all maintenance protocols, including daily inspections and a 2022 overhaul, were followed.
However, workers previously complained about poor upkeep.
Public prosecutors, the national transport safety authority, and Carris launched probes, with the Judiciary Police’s homicide brigade involved.
Lisbon suspended other funiculars (Bica, Lavra, and Graça) for inspections.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
Over 60 emergency personnel and 22 vehicles responded swiftly. The A3020 road closed, disrupting traffic in the tourist-heavy area during peak season.
No ground casualties occurred, a small mercy.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted condolences on X: “It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment… My condolences to the families.”
Spain’s Pedro Sánchez and Italy’s Antonio Tajani offered solidarity. The UK Foreign Office stands ready for British nationals, as Britain leads tourism to Portugal.
The crash horrifies Lisbon, a tourism hub with booming visitors. Mayor Moedas declared three days of municipal mourning, saying, “Lisbon is in mourning—this is a very tragic day.”
Carris’s Pedro Bogas called it “a very sad day for the victims and their families,” vowing full cooperation.
Reactions on X
Social media fills with grief and tributes. One user posted, “Portugal in shock after 15 killed in Lisbon Gloria funicular derailment—thoughts with families.”
Another shared, “Heartbreaking: Gloria Funicular crash claims 15 lives—national mourning declared”, reflecting global sorrow.
Investigation and Broader Impact
Prosecutors examine the cause, focusing on the cable and maintenance.
This rare disaster for the 140-year-old icon raises questions about aging infrastructure in tourist spots.
As probes continue, Portugal honors the victims, reminding us of transport safety’s importance.
Stay tuned for updates.