A deadly funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal, has resulted in 16 fatalities and over 20 injuries, with a three-year-old boy miraculously rescued from the wreckage. The incident has prompted an investigation and widespread mourning, highlighting safety concerns in the historic transportation system.
The Glória funicular derailed and crashed on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, causing immediate chaos and devastation. Emergency services rushed to the scene, working for hours to free trapped passengers from the overturned carriage. The death toll was initially reported as 17 but was later revised down to 16 after authorities discovered a double count of a victim who died in hospital.
Among the survivors was a three-year-old German boy, who was pulled alive from the debris where his father reportedly perished. His mother was among the injured, receiving medical treatment for her wounds. This personal tragedy underscores the human cost of the disaster, with families from various nations affected.
Police confirmed that victims included nationals from Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, and Ukraine. The Portuguese transport union identified funicular brake guard André Jorge Gonçalves Marques as one of the deceased, while charity Santa Casa da Misericórdia reported that four of its employees were killed while commuting to work. The international scope of the incident has drawn global attention and condolences.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with people jumping from windows in panic and emergency crews battling to save lives. Tour guide Mariana Figueiredo, who was nearby, recounted hearing a loud crash and seeing bodies inside the wreckage. She and others attempted to help, calming distressed survivors and assisting those with injuries. Social media footage showed the crumpled yellow funicular and smoke filling the air, adding to the shock.
In response, Lisbon’s public transport operator, Carris, closed all funiculars in the city for technical inspections and launched an independent investigation. Pedro Gonçalo de Brito Aleixo Bogas, head of Carris, stated that maintenance spending had increased but costs had more than doubled over the past decade. The cause of the crash remains unclear, with speculation about possible cable failure or mechanical issues.
The Glória funicular, opened in 1885 and electrified in 1915, is a beloved tourist attraction and essential for navigating Lisbon’s steep hills. It travels 275 meters from Restauradores square to Bairro Alto, taking just three minutes. The accident has raised questions about the safety of aging infrastructure and the balance between preservation and modernization.
Portugal’s Prime Minister declared the crash one of the country’s biggest tragedies, and a national day of mourning was observed. Memorial services were held, with political leaders and citizens calling for a thorough investigation to ensure such a disaster never happens again. The community’s grief is palpable, with many expressing disbelief and fear.
As the investigation progresses, focus shifts to preventing future incidents and supporting the victims’ families. The findings are awaited to restore public confidence and implement necessary safety upgrades. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities in public transportation systems worldwide.