Tragedy in Lisbon: Funicular Crash Leaves 16 Dead and Several Injured

Sun Sep 14 2025 01:04:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A catastrophic derailment of Lisbon's historic Glória funicular railway has resulted in 16 fatalities and multiple injuries. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of this tragic accident.

On September 3, 2025, a carriage from Lisbon's Glória funicular derailed, leading to 16 confirmed deaths, including international victims. With over 20 individuals injured, authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the accident's cause. The city mourns as questions arise around the safety of its iconic transport system.

Tragedy in Lisbon: Funicular Crash Leaves 16 Dead and Several Injured

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 reported figure of 17.

The cause of the derailment remains unclear, with an investigation currently underway.

Eyewitness reports describe chaos as the carriage lost control and collided with a nearby building around 18:15 local time. Over 60 emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, which was engulfed in smoke as bystanders attempted to flee. Images from the site depict a yellow carriage overturned on the cobbled street.

Among the deceased are five Portuguese nationals, along with three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a French citizen, a Ukrainian, and a Swiss national. There were also 23 reported injuries, six of which are considered critical, with patients being sent to intensive care.

The Glória funicular has been a crucial mode of transportation for both residents and tourists in Lisbon since its opening in 1885. It covers a distance of 275 meters from the central Restauradores square to Bairro Alto, making the ascent in just three minutes.

As the city and country mourn the tragic loss of life, national leaders offered condolences. Portugal's Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, expressed his sorrow, and national mourning was declared across the country. Neighboring leaders, including Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen, also voiced their sympathies.

The incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols surrounding Lisbon's funicular railways, as Carris, the operator, asserts it had adhered to all maintenance and safety checks. Ongoing investigations will seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event.