Lisbon Funicular Disaster: National Day of Mourning Declared After 17 Dead in Gloria Derailment
Lisbon, Portugal – September 4, 2025. Tragedy struck the Portuguese capital when one of the city’s most iconic trams, the Elevador da Glória, derailed during evening rush hour, killing 17 people and injuring 21 others. The Portuguese government has declared a day of national mourning, while Lisbon itself observes three days of mourning.
What Happened
At around 6 p.m. local time, the descending funicular reportedly lost traction, possibly due to a snapped cable, before colliding violently with a building on Calçada da Glória. Witnesses described the tram hurtling down the steep slope “like a rock,” before crumpling on impact. Graphic footage showed the yellow-and-white tram overturned, its sides and roof crushed along the narrow street.
Human Toll and Rescue Operations
Among the 21 injured, five remain in critical condition. Victims include several foreign nationals, among them a three-year-old German boy who survived but lost his father in the crash. His mother is reported to be in critical condition. Citizens from Spain, France, Cabo Verde, Italy, Switzerland, Morocco, South Korea, and Canada were also affected.
Rescue teams deployed over 60 workers and 20 emergency vehicles within minutes. Overnight, forensic pathologists worked on autopsies to identify the victims and assist investigators.
Investigation Underway
The Portuguese Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a full investigation. Authorities are examining whether a cable failure or brake malfunction caused the tragedy. Carris, the transport operator, confirmed that the funicular had undergone all daily, weekly, and monthly inspections prior to the accident. Union representatives noted past concerns about cable tension, though it remains unclear if they played a role.
Historic Line Suspended
The Elevador da Glória, in operation since 1885 and classified as a national monument, links Restauradores Square with Bairro Alto. Carrying nearly three million passengers annually, it is one of Lisbon’s most visited attractions. Operations on all funicular and tram lines were suspended immediately for safety checks.
National and Global Reactions
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed deep sorrow, vowing transparency and swift accountability. Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, called the disaster “a tragedy unlike any we have ever seen in our city.”
Condolences poured in from across Europe and beyond. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity. The UK Foreign Office also confirmed readiness to assist British nationals if necessary.
At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Location | September 3, 2025 – Lisbon, Elevador da Glória |
| Casualties | 17 dead, 21 injured (5 critically) |
| Cause | Suspected cable or braking failure, under investigation |
| Response | Immediate rescue operations, autopsies, suspension of tram lines |
| Heritage Value | Operating since 1885, transports 3 million passengers annually |
| Official Reaction | National day of mourning, international condolences |
The Lisbon funicular disaster is one of the deadliest transport tragedies in Portugal’s modern history, marking a somber moment for both locals and the millions of tourists who cherish the city’s heritage trams.