Lisbon has been shaken by a tragic accident after the historic Glória funicular derailed on Wednesday evening, leaving 15 people dead and at least 18 others injured. Among the injured, five remain in critical condition.
The crash happened just after 6 p.m. near Avenida da Liberdade, when the bright yellow cable car — one of the city’s most famous landmarks — lost control and slammed into a building. Authorities say the impact was so powerful that the carriage crumpled “like a cardboard box.”
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered condolences to grieving families, and Prime Minister António Costa declared a national day of mourning. Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, visited survivors in hospital, calling it “a heartbreaking moment for the city.”
Scenes of chaos and panic
Videos shared online showed the funicular overturned and badly mangled, with smoke rising as passengers and bystanders scrambled for safety. Witnesses said the carriage appeared to be “out of control, with no brakes” before it smashed into the building. Emergency crews rushed to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Investigators look at possible brake failure
The Glória funicular, in service since 1885, is operated by Carris, Lisbon’s public transport company. Officials said the line had passed regular inspections, but early reports suggest a cable may have snapped, causing the brakes to fail. A joint investigation by transport safety authorities and police is now underway.
Condolences from Europe
European leaders expressed solidarity, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling the crash “devastating” and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez saying he was “deeply saddened by the terrible accident.”
The funicular connects Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto district along a steep 275-meter slope and is both a commuter link and a popular tourist attraction.
As Lisbon mourns, questions are being raised about how a cherished symbol of the city turned into the scene of its deadliest accident in years.
