A landmark funicular in central Lisbon derailed on Sept. 3, 2025, around 6:00 p.m., killing 15 people and injuring 18 others, emergency services said; rescue teams removed victims from the wreck within roughly two hours.
Key Takeaways
- Fifteen people were killed and 18 were injured in the derailment of the Elevador da Gloria funicular.
- Emergency responders said five of the injured are in serious condition and one injured is a child.
- The accident occurred on the steep, curved downtown run where two cars operate in tandem and are cable-harnessed.
- Carris, the operator, reported that scheduled maintenance had been performed; authorities have not determined a cause.
- The Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning for Sept. 4, 2025.
- Officials said some of the injured are foreigners; the exact number has not been confirmed.
- An official investigation will begin after rescue operations conclude.
Verified Facts
The incident took place on the evening of Sept. 3, 2025, at about 6 p.m. on the short but steep route of the Elevador da Glória in Lisbon’s downtown area. The vehicle was found on its side with significant damage to its sides and roof near a bend in the narrow road.
Portuguese emergency services reported 15 fatalities and 18 injured; medical authorities said five injured people were in serious condition and that a child was among the wounded. Teams completed victim extraction in just over two hours, according to official statements.
The Elevador da Glória is a cable-harnessed funicular classified as a national monument and commonly carries residents and tourists; it can accommodate more than 40 passengers seated and standing. Two cars operate counter to one another along the same alignment, connected by steel cables.
Carris, the municipal operator, confirmed that scheduled maintenance had been carried out on the system. Government officials and emergency services characterized the event as an accident; investigators will examine technical and operational records once rescue and recovery work is finished.
Context & Impact
The funicular is a well-known tourist draw in Lisbon, a city that hosted about 8.5 million visitors last year. The derailment is among the deadliest transit accidents in recent local memory and has disrupted the neighborhood where the line runs.
Authorities have moved to coordinate victim support and to inform consular offices, given that an unspecified number of the injured are non‑Portuguese. Local officials also warned of likely short‑term closures and traffic adjustments in the area as investigators secure the scene.
National leaders expressed public sorrow and solidarity: the president and the mayor addressed families and residents, and Brussels offered condolences. The government announced a day of national mourning for Sept. 4, 2025.
Official Statements
“A tragic accident … caused the irreparable loss of human life, which left in mourning their families and dismayed the whole country.”
Portuguese government statement
“It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Glória.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (on X)
Unconfirmed
- Eyewitness accounts that the car “careened out of control” are being reported but not yet corroborated by investigators.
- Specific technical causes—such as cable failure, brake malfunction, or human error—have not been confirmed.
- The exact number and nationalities of foreign victims have not been publicly released.
Bottom Line
The Elevador da Glória derailment on Sept. 3, 2025, resulted in a significant loss of life and multiple injuries; authorities have begun a formal investigation and declared a day of national mourning. Officials say rescue operations are complete and that technical and operational inquiries will follow.