AT least 15 people have died and a further 18 were injured following the derailment and crash of Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular railway on Wednesday, an emergency medical service spokesperson confirmed.
The incident occurred on the steep route between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto, a popular stretch for both tourists and local residents. Among the injured, five people are in critical condition. Authorities have not released the identities or nationalities of the victims but confirmed that foreign nationals are among the deceased.
Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon, described the tragedy as a devastating blow to the city. “It’s a tragic day for our city. Lisbon is in mourning. It is a tragic, tragic incident,” he said.
Portugal’s government has declared Thursday a national day of mourning. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a statement lamenting the loss of life and expressing his hope that the cause of the crash would soon be clarified.
Emergency crews were seen working through the wreckage of the mangled yellow funicular, which had carried passengers up and down Lisbon’s steep hills since its opening in 1885. Video footage captured the moment of the derailment, with passengers seen leaping from the second carriage at the bottom of the hill as it jolted violently upon impact. That car remained largely intact.
The Gloria line is one of three funicular routes operated by Lisbon’s municipal transport company, Carris. It serves approximately three million passengers annually and is considered a city icon, often featured in travel literature and postcards.
Carris stated that all maintenance had been carried out according to schedule, including daily inspections and weekly and monthly checks.
The cars operate on a counterbalance system, with each end of the cable connected to a tram-like carriage. Electric motors provide the traction for the uphill and downhill journey.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a formal investigation into the incident, and police investigators are examining the crash site.
Lisbon has seen a surge in tourism over the past decade, particularly in the summer months, with Britain being the largest source of foreign visitors, followed by Germany, Spain, and the United States.
A spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said, “We are in contact with the local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.” - Sept 4, 2025
