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On September 3, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Lisbon when the Gloria funicular, a well-known tourist attraction and city landmark, derailed, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and 18 injuries, according to a spokesperson from emergency medical services. The identities and nationalities of the victims haven’t been released, but it was confirmed that some foreign nationals were among those who lost their lives. Five individuals are reported to be in critical condition.
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, expressed profound sorrow, calling the day “a tragic day for our city” and stating that Lisbon is mourning after this devastating event. Footage from the scene showed the yellow funicular, similar to a tram, severely damaged after plunging down a steep hillside. Rescue crews were visible extracting passengers from the wreckage.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a statement mourning the tragedy and expressed hope that investigators would quickly determine what caused the derailment. Authorities are currently inspecting the scene, and the prosecutor general’s office announced it will carry out a formal investigation, which is standard procedure following such accidents.
The funicular line, which has been operational since 1885, links downtown Lisbon near Restauradores Square with Bairro Alto, an area famous for its lively nightlife. Managed by the public transport company Carris, it serves both tourists and locals. Carris assured the public that all maintenance protocols, including monthly and weekly checks along with daily inspections, have been duly followed.
The line is responsible for transporting approximately 3 million passengers each year. Its two cars, each capable of holding nearly 40 people, are connected at opposite ends of a cable system powered by electric motors. While the car at the bottom was apparently untouched, footage broadcast by CNN Portugal showed the other car violently jerking when it derailed, causing some passengers to jump out of windows amid shouts of alarm.
The past decade has seen a surge in tourism in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, with visitors flocking to the central districts during the summer months.
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