Lisbon Funicular Disaster: At Least 15 Dead in Gloria Elevator Derailment
Lisbon, Portugal – September 3, 2025 – A devastating accident has struck the heart of Lisbon, claiming the lives of at least 15 people and injuring 18 others, five critically, after the historic Gloria Elevator (also known as the Gloria Funicular) derailed this evening. This breaking news event has plunged the city into mourning and sparked an immediate investigation into the cause of the tragedy. This is a developing story, and we’re committed to providing the latest updates as they become available. For those seeking information on travel safety in Europe, or simply following this unfolding event, Archyde will continue to deliver timely and accurate reporting.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Picture of Chaos
The accident occurred at approximately 6:05 pm local time near Avenida da Liberdade, a bustling thoroughfare in central Lisbon. The Gloria Elevator, a beloved tourist attraction connecting Rossio Square with the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, reportedly lost control while descending the steep slope. Witnesses described a harrowing scene.
“He crashed into a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box, he had no brakes,” recounted one woman to SIC television. Another witness, speaking with Morning Mail, stated, “The elevator from below descended slowly, as always, but a meter and a half from the end, lost the brakes, and that was what alerted us, because then he hit the sidewalk with great force, and people inside began to scream in fear.” Images circulating on social media show the shattered remains of the funicular against a building wall, shrouded in smoke.
A Historic Transport System Faces Scrutiny
The Gloria Elevator, with a capacity of 40 passengers, is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a symbol of Lisbon’s rich history. Built in 1885 by Franco-Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier Du Ponsard and electrified in 1915, the funicular has been a vital part of the city’s infrastructure for over a century. However, this tragedy raises serious questions about the maintenance and safety standards of Lisbon’s historic transport systems.
Lisbon Carris, the public transport operator, insists that all maintenance protocols were “scrupulously respected,” and that an external company has overseen maintenance for the past 14 years. However, Manuel Leal, a union leader from Fectrans, disputes this claim, stating that the union has filed numerous complaints regarding a lack of adequate maintenance. Leal emphasized the need for a “rigorous investigation” and called for maintenance responsibilities to be returned to Carris employees, rather than outsourced to external companies.
National Mourning and Emergency Response
The scale of the disaster prompted swift action from Portuguese authorities. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his “deep” sorrow, and the government has declared a national day of mourning for Thursday. Emergency services, led by the Sapadors firefighters and the Medical Emergency Service (INEM), worked tirelessly to extract all victims from the wreckage. Tiago Augusto of INEM confirmed that the victims included foreign nationals, though their nationalities remain unconfirmed at this time.
Rescue workers at the scene of the Lisbon funicular accident. (Photo: EFE)
The Future of Lisbon’s Funiculars: A Need for Reassessment
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the event as “a tragedy that had never happened in our city.” The incident is certain to trigger a comprehensive review of safety regulations and maintenance procedures for all of Lisbon’s funiculars and other historic transport systems. Beyond the immediate investigation, this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and investing in the upkeep of vital infrastructure, especially in cities that rely heavily on tourism. For travelers planning trips to Lisbon, staying informed about local safety advisories and transportation updates is crucial. Archyde will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available, offering insights into the ongoing investigation and any changes to transportation services in the city. This event underscores the need for vigilance and proactive safety measures in preserving the charm and accessibility of historic urban landscapes.
The damaged Gloria Elevator after the derailment. (Photo: AFPA)
Stay with Archyde for the latest updates on this developing story.
