Tragedy in Lisbon: Funicular Crash Claims 16 Lives

Sat Sep 13 2025 13:12:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A catastrophic crash involving Lisbon's iconic Glória funicular has resulted in the tragic death of 16 individuals, with various nationalities among the victims. Investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of this devastating accident.

On September 3, a derailing incident involving the Glória funicular in Lisbon led to the deaths of 16 people and injuries to 23 others. Eyewitnesses describe the chaos that ensued as rescue teams responded promptly, although the exact cause of the derailment remains under investigation. The incident has prompted a national day of mourning in Portugal, with condolences pouring in from various leaders across Europe. The Glória funicular is a critical means of transport in Lisbon, serving both residents and tourists alike.

Tragedy in Lisbon: Funicular Crash Claims 16 Lives

3 hours ago

A tragic incident unfolded on September 3, when a carriage of the Glória funicular railway, a beloved transportation method in Lisbon, derailed and crashed, leaving in its wake a death toll of 16 individuals.

The popular funicular, known for its steep ascents through Lisbon's hilly terrain, derailed around 18:15 local time. Despite initial reports suggesting 17 fatalities, authorities have confirmed the final count to be 16 deceased.

As investigations commence into the cause of the crash, early reports indicate that the derailment may have been linked to a loose cable along the railway, causing the carriage to lose control and collide with a nearby building. This catastrophic event led to over 60 emergency responders being dispatched to the scene, where they worked diligently to aid those trapped in the wreckage.

Eyewitness accounts highlight the chaos, with one individual recalling the sight of passengers escaping through windows as smoke filled the scene. Rescue operations continued, but the tragedy marked a profound loss, with victims from multiple countries, including the UK, South Korea, Canada, and more.

In light of this calamity, Portugal has declared a day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and condolences from international leaders resonating deeply. The Glória funicular, while a vital transportation route within Lisbon, also serves as a significant tourist attraction, raising concerns about public safety.

The company operating the funicular assured that all maintenance protocols had been followed meticulously, with investigations ongoing to uncover the sequence of events leading to this disaster.