Lisbon: A devastating accident on Lisbon’s historic Elevador da Glória funicular claimed at least 15 lives and left 18 others injured on Wednesday evening, plunging Portugal into mourning and raising urgent questions about the safety of its century-old transport system.
The accident occurred around 6:05 p.m. local time when one of the funicular cars derailed while descending Rua da Glória, a steep street linking Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto district. Authorities said a cable may have snapped, causing the car to lose control and crash violently into a nearby building. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying,” with the car collapsing under the impact “like a cardboard box.”
Emergency services responded immediately, deploying 62 personnel and 22 vehicles to the site. Rescue teams worked for hours to extract passengers trapped inside the wreckage. Five of the injured remain in critical condition, and officials confirmed that foreign nationals were among the victims. Among those killed was André Marques, the funicular’s brakeman, who attempted to stop the runaway car. Reports also mentioned a pregnant German woman fighting for her life and a three-year-old child who sustained minor injuries.
The disaster has shaken Lisbon and the wider nation. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed deep sorrow, while Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas visited the site and promised full cooperation with investigators. The Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning, and Lisbon’s city council announced three days of municipal mourning. All funicular services in the capital have been suspended until safety inspections are completed.
Built in 1885 and later electrified, the Elevador da Glória is a national monument and a beloved icon of Lisbon, carrying around three million passengers annually. Operated by Carris, the funicular has undergone regular maintenance checks, with company officials insisting that all protocols were followed. However, concerns about aging infrastructure and long-term safety have surfaced in the wake of the tragedy.
Authorities, including the police and the prosecutor general’s office, have opened a formal investigation to determine whether the crash was caused solely by a snapped cable, brake failure, or broader mechanical faults. International governments, including the United Kingdom and Spain, are providing consular support to their citizens affected by the crash.
As Lisbon mourns the loss of life, the catastrophe has highlighted the delicate balance between preserving historical transport landmarks and ensuring the safety of millions who rely on them.