Tragedy in Lisbon: Funicular Derailment Claims Lives and Shocks the Nation

Wed Oct 22 2025 18:35:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A catastrophic crash of Lisbon's Glória funicular leads to 16 fatalities and widespread mourning, highlighting the importance of this transportation link for both tourists and residents.

The Glória funicular in Lisbon tragically derailed, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, with a diverse group of nationality represented among the victims. This event has sparked national mourning, and investigations are ongoing as the community seeks to support the affected families.

Portugal is in mourning following the tragic derailment of Lisbon's renowned Glória funicular cable railway on Wednesday evening, killing 16 people and injuring 23 others.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro provided an update, stating the death toll was reduced from an initial count of 17, as confirmed by emergency services.

The victims include seven men and eight women, with casualties comprised of five Portuguese individuals, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, and one each from the U.S., Ukraine, Switzerland, and France.

Identities of the deceased are still being confirmed, but among them was André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a brake guard on the funicular, described as a devoted professional. His tragic loss has evoked condolences from the transport union, which expressed their grief on social media.

Another identified victim, Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade, was a former volleyball referee and held several roles within the Lisbon Volleyball Association. His organization also mourned his passing, calling it a profound tragedy.

Reports indicate that many of the deceased worked for the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, a charitable institution, with a lawyer among those lost. Employees, alongside tourists, frequently used the funicular to navigate the city’s steep landscape.

Media coverage revealed a family of three from Germany was aboard the funicular; while the father tragically died, it was later clarified that the mother remains in critical condition but the son has minor injuries.

The occurrence has led to the suspension of operations of all funicular services in Lisbon and a national day of mourning has been declared. Various governments, including the UK and France, are providing aid to the families of the victims.

The Glória funicular, vital for both residents and tourists alike, typically accommodates about 40 passengers, raising concerns about passenger safety and the maintenance of public transport systems in historical areas.

The investigation continues as authorities strive to uncover the cause of the incident while the community supports those affected by the tragedy.