Lisbon Funicular Disaster Leaves At Least 15 Dead, 18 Injured
Lisbon, Portugal – September 4, 2025, 09:53 CEST – A runaway funicular car in lisbon’s historic Glória district resulted in at least 15 fatalities and 18 injuries this morning, authorities confirmed. the incident, which occurred at approximately 09:15 local time, involved a historic funicular-a cable railway-derailing and colliding with another car ascending the steep incline.
The tragedy has prompted an immediate investigation into the cause of the malfunction and raised questions about the safety protocols of Lisbon’s aging public transportation infrastructure. The Glória funicular, a popular tourist attraction and vital commuter link, has been suspended indefinitely. This disaster impacts not only residents who rely on the funicular for daily travel but also the city’s tourism sector, as the Glória funicular is a landmark destination. Emergency services are currently focused on extricating remaining passengers and providing medical assistance to the injured, with a full assessment of the damage underway.
According to a statement released by Carris, the Lisbon transport company, the funicular underwent a thorough “general maintenance” check in 2022, a procedure conducted every four years. Additionally, a more frequent “interleaved repair” was completed earlier in 2024, occurring every two years. Carris emphasized the implementation of rigorous maintenance schedules, including “monthly, per month, per month, per month, per month daily inspection” routines.
The Glória funicular first opened in 1885, offering a unique and historic means of traversing lisbon’s steep hills. It remains unclear at this time whether the age of the funicular played a role in the accident.
