At least 15 people have been killed and 18 others injured after Lisbon’s world-famous Gloria Funicular derailed on Wednesday evening, plunging down a steep hillside before crashing into a building.
The tragedy unfolded at around 6.05pm local time when one of the haulage cables reportedly came loose, causing the tram to lose control. Witnesses described the vehicle “smashing into the building with brutal force” before shattering “like a cardboard box.”
Emergency workers rushed to the scene, with firefighters, paramedics and police pulling passengers from the wreckage. The funicular, which links Restauradores Square with the popular Bairro Alto district, was left mangled and destroyed.
Foreigners Among the Dead
Portugal’s National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) confirmed that foreign nationals are among the victims, though their identities and nationalities have not yet been released.
Of the 18 people injured, five are in critical condition, with others suffering broken bones and head injuries. A three-year-old child was also hurt but is not thought to be in a life-threatening state.
Some victims were taken to Lisbon’s Sao José Hospital, while others were transported to Santa Maria Hospital for urgent treatment.
Witness Accounts
Other witnesses described passengers being thrown unconscious to the ground, while bystanders rushed to help until emergency services arrived.
National Mourning Declared
The Portuguese government has declared a national day of mourning on Thursday, 4 September, calling the disaster an “irreparable loss of human lives” that has left the country in shock.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences:
“The President of the Republic deeply regrets the accident, particularly the fatalities and serious injuries. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected.”
European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, have also expressed solidarity with Portugal and the victims’ families.
Investigation Launched
The Aircraft and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office (GPIAAF) has confirmed that a full investigation into the derailment will begin on Thursday morning.
Experts have suggested that a cable failure and braking system malfunction are likely causes. Reports indicate that workers had previously raised concerns about the tension cable, although the tram underwent maintenance in late 2024.
The funicular, built in 1885, is a major tourist attraction and cultural landmark, carrying up to 43 passengers at a time. It was electrified in 1915 but retains its traditional wooden design, with two cars attached to opposite ends of a haulage cable.
FCDO Monitoring British Nationals
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it is monitoring the situation closely:
“We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with local authorities. We stand ready to provide consular assistance if any British nationals are affected.”
What Happens Next
Investigators will now examine whether mechanical failure, maintenance issues, or operational errors were behind one of the deadliest public transport disasters in Lisbon’s recent history.
Officials have urged the public not to speculate until the investigation is complete.
