A devastating accident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, when the historic Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed and crashed, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and 18 injuries. The incident happened during rush hour, around 6 pm local time, and has sent shockwaves throughout the city. According to authorities, a loose cable is believed to have caused the derailment, leading to the funicular slamming into a building.
The Elevador da Gloria, which dates back to 1885, is a popular tourist attraction and a practical transportation link between the Baixa district and the Bairro Alto neighborhood, offering stunning views of the city. The funicular operates on a counterweight system with two cars connected by a cable and powered by electric motors. Images from the crash site show one car severely damaged and lying mangled against a building, while emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue passengers and clear debris from the steep hillside railway.
Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, described the incident as “a tragic day for our city,” declaring that Lisbon is in mourning. The Portuguese government has announced a day of national mourning in response to the tragedy. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences, calling the incident “a tragedy” and urging authorities to determine the cause as swiftly as possible.
