Lisbon Funicular Disaster: 15 Dead, 18 Injured in tragic Accident
A beloved Lisbon landmark, the Gloria funicular, was involved in a devastating accident on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, resulting in 15 fatalities adn leaving 18 others injured.Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, marking the worst such incident in the city’s recent history.
Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far:
What Happened?
The electric streetcar, a key attraction for tourists and a daily commute for residents, derailed while descending a steep hill in Lisbon’s downtown area. Television footage showed the yellow-and-white funicular lying on it’s side,having collided with a building along a sharp bend in the track.
Casualties & injuries
Fatalities: 15 people have tragically lost their lives.
Injured: 18 individuals sustained injuries, with five listed in serious condition.
Children Affected: At least one child is among those injured.
International Impact: An unknown number of the injured are foreign nationals.
Eyewitness Accounts & Initial Reports
Eyewitnesses reported the streetcar appeared to accelerate out of control as it descended the hill. The incident occurred around 6 p.m., coinciding with the start of the evening rush hour.
Official Response
Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas expressed the city’s profound grief, stating, “This was a tragic accident… It’s a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” President Marcelo rebelo de Sousa extended his condolences to the families affected. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also offered her sympathies,acknowledging the loss of this iconic “Elevador da Gloria” (Gloria Lift).
Inquiry Underway
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. Authorities have confirmed a thorough inquiry will commence once the rescue operation is complete.The Portuguese government released a statement outlining this commitment.
Understanding the casualties-latest-updates/” title=”… Funicular …: … & Latest Updates”>Gloria Funicular
the gloria funicular isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a national monument and a vital part of Lisbon’s identity. Here’s what you should know:
How it effectively works: The funicular operates as a pair of streetcars moving in opposite directions along a steep, curved track.
Capacity: Each car can accommodate over 40 passengers, both seated and standing.
Ancient Significance: Classified as a national monument, the Gloria funicular has been a Lisbon staple for generations. Tourist Appeal: Lisbon welcomed approximately 8.5 million tourists in 2024, and the Gloria funicular is consistently a popular attraction, often drawing long queues.
What’s Next?
As Lisbon mourns, the focus now shifts to supporting the victims and their families, and determining the root cause of this devastating accident. We will continue to update this story as more details becomes available.This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards and ongoing maintenance for public transportation systems, especially those with historical significance and high tourist traffic.
Published – September 04, 2025 02:16 am IST
Disclaimer: This article is based on initial reports and is subject to change as the investigation progresses.
