Tragedy Strikes Lisbon’s Historic Gloria Funicular: Cable Failure Leads to Deadly Crash

Breaking News: Historic Funicular Disaster

Portugal has declared a day of mourning following a devastating accident involving Lisbon’s Gloria funicular, which derailed on September 3, 2025, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and 18 injuries near one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.

The Incident

The Lisbon fire brigade, led by Commander Alexandre Rodrigues, responded within three minutes of being alerted about the derailment at 6:01 p.m. The funicular car derailed and crashed into a building, with the exact causes pending investigation.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise before the tram accelerated down the steep slope, apparently out of control. According to one witness, “It hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box; it had no brakes.”

Maintenance Concerns

While Carris, the operating company, stated that “all maintenance protocols were carried out and complied with” with the last repairs completed in 2024, union representatives have raised concerns. Manuel Leal, head of transport workers’ unions, revealed that workers had made “repeated complaints” about maintenance issues, particularly regarding the outsourcing of maintenance work to external companies.

Historical Significance

The Gloria Funicular, officially known as Ascensor da Glória, is a funicular railway line in Lisbon’s civil parish of Santo António, operated by Carris. It connects the Pombaline downtown at Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto district. The line serves approximately three million passengers annually.

Government Response

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has expressed his condolences to the affected families. The Portuguese government has announced a national day of mourning, while Lisbon officials have declared three days of mourning in the capital city.