Tragedy Strikes Lisbon’s Historic Gloria Funicular: 15 Dead in Worst Cable Car Accident

Tragic Accident Rocks Lisbon’s Historic Transport Network

A devastating accident occurred at the Ascensor da Glória funicular railway in Lisbon on September 3, 2025, at approximately 18:15 local time, when the vehicle crashed into a building and was destroyed.

The tragic incident, which took place during evening rush hour, resulted in 15 fatalities and left 18 people injured, including a child, with five victims in serious condition.

Impact and Response

According to investigations, the accident was caused by a loose cable that made the vehicle uncontrollable. Portugal’s Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail has launched an investigation, and the Portuguese government has declared a national day of mourning, while Lisbon will observe three days of mourning.

In response to the tragedy, authorities have suspended operations of the Bica and Lavra funiculars, as well as the Graça Funicular, pending safety inspections of their equipment.

Historical Significance

The Glória Funicular, an iconic piece of Lisbon’s history, began operations on October 24, 1885, as the city’s second funicular line. Designed by engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, it was initially powered by a water counterbalance system, later converted to steam in 1886, and finally electrified by 1915. The funicular achieved National Monument status in 2002.

Before this tragic incident, the funicular transported over 3 million passengers annually up one of central Lisbon’s steepest hills, connecting the Praça dos Restauradores with the Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, serving both as a vital transport link and a testament to the city’s cultural heritage.