A devastating accident struck Lisbon on Wednesday evening when the city’s iconic Glória Funicular derailed, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 others, including a child, according to local authorities and emergency services.
The historic funicular, a beloved tourist attraction that has been in operation since 1885, connects Restauradores Square to Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Capable of carrying up to 43 passengers, it is a vital and well-known part of Lisbon’s public transport system, drawing visitors eager to experience its century-old charm.
© AnadoluRescue efforts at the scene:
Emergency teams responded swiftly after the derailment, which occurred around 6:15 p.m. local time. Fire brigade commander Alexandre Rodrigues reported that crews arrived within three minutes of the alert. Despite their quick response, some passengers remained trapped initially, but all have since been freed.
Social media videos captured a harrowing scene, showing the funicular car overturned on its side, its roof cracked open, with passengers escaping through windows amid thick smoke. Emergency workers and forensic teams have since been combing through the wreckage well into the night.
© Horacio VillalobosCause of the crash:
The exact cause of the derailment remains unknown, though early indications suggest a possible failure in the braking system. Witnesses described the funicular as “out of control” and “without brakes,” with one woman telling Portuguese TV, “It hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box.”
Carris, the public transport company responsible for the funicular, stated that all regular maintenance checks were up to date, including a major service in 2022 and ongoing daily inspections. Pedro de Brito Bogas, chairman of Carris, expressed sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the need to “get to the bottom of what happened.”
© PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRAAuthorities, including the Homicide Brigade of the Judiciary Police, have launched investigations to determine the circumstances behind the accident.
Tragedy in Lisbon:
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the day as “tragic” and announced three days of mourning for the victims. “Lisbon is in mourning,” he told CNN Portugal. Emergency services, including INEM, civil protection, and the fire department, remain at the site assisting with the response.
© Horacio VillalobosPortuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed his condolences and confirmed an official inquiry. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa conveyed his “deep regrets” in a formal statement, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended her sympathies to the victims’ families in a message posted in Portuguese on social media.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed shock and solidarity with Portugal during this difficult time.
© Horacio VillalobosA historic transport system:
The Glória Funicular has been a staple of Lisbon’s transport network and tourism for nearly 150 years, running on a cable system where two cars counterbalance each other along the steep incline.
Its popularity underscores tourism’s vital role in Lisbon’s economy for locals and visitors alike. As the investigation proceeds and the city mourns, emergency teams continue their work on site, ensuring no further injuries and supporting the victims’ families.
© Tim Graham
