A devastating accident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, when the historic Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed and crashed, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuring 18 others.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the city, with officials and residents alike mourning the loss of life.
According to eyewitnesses, the funicular was traveling at full speed when it hit a building with “brutal force” and collapsed like a cardboard box, with one witness stating that it had “no brakes”.
Footage from the crash site showed the mangled carriage lying against a building, with firefighters and emergency responders working tirelessly to rescue passengers from the wreckage.
Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, described the incident as “a tragedy that our city has never seen,” adding that “Lisbon is in mourning. It is a tragic, tragic incident”.
The city’s Firefighters Regiment attributed the cause of the accident to a loose cable, which led to the funicular losing control and crashing into the building.
The Elevador da Gloria, which has been in operation since 1885, is a beloved landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon. It links the Baixa district with the Bairro Alto neighborhood, offering breathtaking views of the city.
The funicular operates on a counterweight system with two cars connected by a cable and powered by electric motors. Unfortunately, the upper carriage sustained significant damage in the crash, while the lower car appeared largely intact.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences, calling the incident “a tragedy” and urging authorities to determine the cause of the crash as soon as possible. Portugal’s government has declared a day of national mourning in response to the disaster.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the accident, questions are being raised about the maintenance and safety of the funicular. Pedro Bogas, head of Lisbon’s public transport company Carris, stated that the company had complied with all maintenance protocols, but an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The crash has highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and maintenance of historic infrastructure, particularly in popular tourist destinations. As the people of Lisbon come to terms with this tragic event, the city’s resilience and spirit will undoubtedly be tested.