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 mode of transport is designed to navigate the steep slopes of the city.
Initially, Portuguese authorities reported 17 fatalities, later revising the number to 16 after discovering a duplicate victim registration. Among the deceased are five local Portuguese, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a French, a Ukrainian, and a Swiss national.
The incident occurred around 18:15 local time, near Avenida da Liberdade. Eyewitnesses describe a chaotic scene as smoke filled the area and people fled from the crash site. Images reveal a crumpled yellow carriage lying amidst emergency responders, further illustrating the crash's severity.
The Glória funicular, opened in 1885, serves as a vital transport link, particularly for residents who navigate Lisbon's hilly terrain. Following the tragedy, the city declared three days of mourning. Local leaders and residents expressed their shock, emphasizing the significance of the funicular for both locals and tourists.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the derailment, with initial reports suggesting a loose cable may have contributed to the loss of control. In response, Carris, the public transport operator, announced an inquiry and emphasized its commitment to safety and regular maintenance protocols.
This tragic accident underscores the risks associated with funicular railways in steep urban environments and raises concerns over maintenance compliance in tourism-heavy locales.
