Lisbon Mourns After Gloria Funicular Crash Kills 15

• Sep 04, 2025

Portugal is reeling after a devastating crash involving the historic Gloria funicular in Lisbon left 15 people dead and many more injured. The accident, which occurred on Wednesday evening at around 18:05, also sent 18 people to hospital, five of whom remain in serious condition. Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the victims, but their nationalities have not yet been disclosed.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas visited survivors in hospital and described the tragedy as “a painful moment for the city.” Portugal’s government has declared a national day of mourning, while President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his solidarity with grieving families. Leaders across Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, also sent condolences.

The crash took place near Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s busiest areas. Emergency services worked through the night, freeing trapped passengers and beginning investigations. Multiple inquiries have been launched, including by Carris, the public transport operator, the national transport safety authority, and the criminal police. Carris issued a statement saying the funicular had undergone all required maintenance, including regular checks.

Despite this, eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle appeared to lose its brakes as it sped uncontrollably downhill before smashing into a building. Video circulating on social media showed the bright yellow carriage overturned, heavily damaged, and surrounded by smoke. Passengers and bystanders could be seen fleeing in panic. One witness told Observador newspaper that the funicular was “out of control, without brakes,” while another described it hitting a building “with brutal force.”

The Gloria funicular is one of Lisbon’s most iconic attractions. First opened in 1885 and electrified in the early 20th century, it connects Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto neighborhood. The short 275-meter journey, usually taking three minutes, is popular with both residents and tourists navigating the city’s steep hills. Its twin-car cable system allows one carriage to descend while the other ascends.

Although the cause has not been confirmed, Portuguese media reported that a loose cable may have triggered the disaster. Authorities have urged patience as investigations continue. For Lisbon, the crash represents not only a terrible loss of life but also a blow to one of its most beloved landmarks.