Lisbon funicular Derailment Leaves At Least 15 Dead
Lisbon, Portugal – September 3, 2025 – A funicular railway in Lisbon, Portugal, derailed this evening, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and numerous injuries.The accident occurred at approximately 6:05 pm local time near Avenida da Liberdade Avenue in the city center.The Elevador da Glória, one of Lisbon’s three historic funiculars, was involved in the incident. Authorities report a cable loosened along the line, causing the car to become unmanageable and collide wiht a nearby building. Rescue services confirm that both Portuguese nationals and foreign citizens were among the casualties, though their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
“He struck a building with brutal power and collapsed like a carton box. he didn’t even brake,” an eyewitness told AFP.
Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Lisbon mourns.” He added that fire brigade, civil protection, and city police teams are assisting at the scene, and victims have been transported to hospitals.Moedas announced a three-day mourning period for the city.
Pedro Boggas, head of the company operating Lisbon’s trams and funiculars, stated the glides were overhauled every four years, with the last overhaul taking place in 2022. He also noted repairs were made last year and inspections occur monthly and weekly. However, a union representing workers has raised concerns about infrequent maintainance, a claim the operator disputes.
The Elevador da Glória typically carries around three million passengers annually, operating two cars – one ascending and one descending – along a 275-meter track with a steep gradient exceeding 17 percent. This incline may have contributed to the car’s acceleration during the accident.
A previous incident occurred on the line in 2018 when a car derailed due to maintenance failures, though no injuries were reported. The funicular railways are a meaningful landmark in Lisbon, with the first line opening in 1875, marking 150 years of operation.
