Lisbon,Sep.04,2025:The Lisbon funicular derailment claimed 15 lives and left 18 injured, out of which five are in serious condition and one is a child. The incident unfolded at around 6 p.m
Lisbon funicular derailment shocks the world
Lisbon funicular derailment dominates headlines, marking a tragic evening in Portugal’s capital. On September 3, 2025, the iconic Elevador da Glória—also known as the Glória funicular—derailed during the evening rush, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18, including children and foreign nationals.
Shocking Facts About the Lisbon funicular derailment
Historic Icon Reduced to Wreckage
The Lisbon funicular derailment involved the centuries-old Elevador da Glória, a cherished mode of transport since 1885 and designated a national monument. The tram car—yellow and white—was found crumpled beside a bend, its structure mangled as if “like a cardboard box,” in the words of shocked witnesses.
Sudden Death Toll and Injuries
The Lisbon funicular derailment claimed 15 lives and left 18 injured, out of which five are in serious condition and one is a child. The incident unfolded at around 6 p.m. local time—height of evening rush.
Foreign Nationals Among Casualties
Among the deceased were not only locals but also foreign tourists. Officials have yet to identify nationalities, although reports confirm multiple foreign nationals were involved.
National Mourning and Local Grief
In response to the Lisbon funicular derailment, Portugal declared a national day of mourning, while Lisbon’s city council observed three days of local mourning. Mayor Carlos Moedas termed the event “a tragedy our city has never seen,” and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered condolences to grieving families.
Safety Protocols Scrutinized
Carris, the operator, insists that regular and rigorous maintenance—including monthly, weekly, and daily checks—was in place. However, some reports mention that previous worker complaints cited poor maintenance, and that the last major maintenance tender was signed in 2022, with the line under maintenance from August 26 to September 30, 2024.
Swift Rescue in Turmoil
Emergency crews responded swiftly: 62 rescuers and 22 vehicles were deployed. All victims were recovered in just over two hours. Eyewitnesses recalled civilians and firefighters racing to save individuals, including children trapped under wreckage.
Broader Cultural & Tourism Impact
The Lisbon funicular derailment tarnishes Lisbon’s reputation amid a bustling tourism season. Transport routes across the city, including other funiculars and the Elevador de Santa Justa, were suspended for safety inspections. EU and neighboring leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Pedro Sánchez, expressed solidarity.
The Lisbon funicular derailment stands as a stark, heart-wrenching moment in Portugal’s history—claiming lives, inciting national mourning, and raising urgent questions about public safety. This tragedy, involving a monument since 1885, wreaked havoc within seconds, forcing immediate rescue operations amid shock and grief.
As investigations unfold, authorities from the prosecutor’s office and transportation safety agencies aim to pinpoint the cause—most likely a cable failure—while balancing empathy for victims with accountability. The outcomes may reshape maintenance protocols across heritage transport networks worldwide.
