Lisbon's Historic Funicular Derails, Resulting in 16 Fatalities

On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Lisbon's historic Elevador da Glória funicular derailed during the evening rush hour, resulting in 16 fatalities and 23 injuries. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time as the funicular descended a steep hill, ultimately crashing into a building.

Among the deceased were five Portuguese nationals, including the brakeman, two South Koreans, a Swiss citizen, and a German man. The injured included individuals from various countries, such as Germany, Spain, Australia, Canada, Cape Verde, France, Italy, Morocco, South Korea, Switzerland, and Brazil. A three-year-old child was also among the injured.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed the city's grief, stating, "It's a tragedy of the like we've never seen." Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged the international impact, noting, "This tragedy ... goes beyond our borders."

In response, Portugal observed a national day of mourning on Thursday, September 4. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed her condolences, writing, "It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria."

The Elevador da Glória, inaugurated in 1885, is a national monument and a popular tourist attraction, connecting downtown Lisbon to the Bairro Alto district. The funicular operates using steel cables and can carry over 40 passengers.

Carris, the company operating the funicular, stated that scheduled maintenance had been conducted, including a visual inspection nine hours before the accident. However, the exact cause of the derailment remains under investigation. Authorities have suspended operations of similar funiculars in the city pending safety inspections.