Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular derails, leaving 15 dead and dozens injured

Lisbon was plunged into shock and grief on September 3 evening after the city’s historic Gloria funicular railway, a century-old symbol and tourist magnet, derailed and crashed, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 others.

Among the injured, five remain in critical condition while the rest — including a child — sustained minor wounds, Portugal’s emergency medical services confirmed. Authorities have not released the identities or nationalities of the victims, but confirmed that foreign nationals were among the dead.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m. near Avenida da Liberdade, a bustling boulevard in the Portuguese capital. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the carriage lost control. “It was out of control, without brakes. We all started running because we thought it would crash into the one below,” said Teresa d’Avó, quoted by Portuguese daily Observador.

Emergency workers battled through wreckage to rescue passengers, pulling survivors and bodies from the twisted remains of the yellow tram-like funicular that has long been an emblem of Lisbon’s steep hills. All those initially reported trapped were eventually freed.

The government has declared September 4 a day of national mourning. “It’s a tragic day for our city… Lisbon is in mourning,” said Mayor Carlos Moedas, his voice heavy with emotion. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed sorrow over the “deadly crash” and vowed that investigators would work swiftly to determine the cause.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “appalled by the terrible accident” as messages of condolence poured in from across Europe.

The Gloria funicular, first inaugurated in 1885, is one of Lisbon’s most photographed landmarks and a UNESCO-recognized heritage site. For the city, the tragedy marks not just the loss of lives but also a shattering blow to a cherished symbol of its identity.