A tragic funicular crash in Lisbon has resulted in at least 17 fatalities and 23 injuries, with police investigating the cause, suspected to be a cable malfunction. Portugal has declared a national day of mourning for the victims.
On the evening of September 3, 2025, Lisbon’s historic Gloria Funicular, a beloved tourist attraction, derailed and crashed violently into a building. The incident occurred at approximately 18:15 local time, during a busy period, catching passengers and onlookers by surprise. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, located near the Avenida da Liberdade and Restauradores square, where they faced a chaotic and devastating scene.
Rescue efforts were intense, with firefighters and medical personnel working to extract victims from the mangled wreckage. Within two hours, all individuals were freed, but the death toll has since risen to 17, with two additional fatalities occurring overnight in hospitals. The injured count stands at 23, including five in serious condition and a child with minor injuries, underscoring the severity of the accident.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the funicular “out of control, without brakes,” before it careened off the tracks and collided with a structure. Initial speculation from authorities and media suggests that a steel cable, which guides the funicular, may have come loose, leading to the loss of control. The exact mechanism of failure is under detailed investigation, with experts examining the braking system and cable integrity.
The Order of Engineers in Portugal is providing technical support to determine the causes, and the public prosecutor’s office has launched an official inquiry. Carris, the municipal transport company, stated that all maintenance protocols had been followed, including daily inspections, but the tragedy has raised questions about the aging infrastructure and potential oversights. This multi-agency investigation aims to prevent future incidents and ensure accountability.
In the aftermath, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences and solidarity with the affected families, emphasizing the need for clarity on the incident’s cause. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas declared three days of mourning, reflecting the city’s grief and the national impact of the event. The swift response from leaders has provided some comfort, but the community remains in shock over the loss of life.
The Gloria Funicular, operational since 1885, is a symbol of Lisbon’s charm, ferrying locals and tourists up the steep hills between Restauradores and Bairro Alto. Its two cars, each capable of carrying 40 passengers, are a staple of the city’s public transport network, and this accident marks one of the deadliest in recent Lisbon history. The funicular’s 275-meter route, which takes about three minutes, is integral to the city’s identity and economy, heavily reliant on tourism.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to identify all victims, which include both Portuguese nationals and foreigners. The crash has not only caused immense human suffering but also sparked concerns about the safety of similar historic transport systems globally, potentially leading to renewed safety reviews and protocols. The outcomes of this inquiry could influence regulatory changes and enhance safety measures for funicular railways worldwide.