Lisbon was shaken on Wednesday evening after the city&rsquo;s famed Gloria Funicular, one of its most visited landmarks, derailed near Avenida da Liberdade and overturned, leaving 15 people dead and 18 others injured, five of them critically. The historic yellow carriages, which have carried generations of locals and tourists since the late 19th century, now lie twisted and broken at the foot of the slope.
Rescue teams, firefighters and police cordoned off the area as emergency crews worked late into the night. The Portuguese government confirmed that an investigation will begin once rescue efforts are complete.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa canceled a scheduled book festival at the Belem Palace &ldquo;in memory of the victims of the serious accident&hellip; and in solidarity with the grieving families.&rdquo; The government has also declared Thursday a national day of mourning.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas admitted it was &ldquo;a difficult day&rdquo; and said the city is &ldquo;fighting hard.&rdquo; Messages of grief and solidarity poured in from across Europe and beyond.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote in Portuguese: &ldquo;It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Gloria.&rdquo; Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S&aacute;nchez said he was &ldquo;appalled by the terrible accident&rdquo; and extended &ldquo;solidarity to the families of the victims and the Portuguese people.&rdquo;
Italy&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he personally conveyed his condolences to his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel, while the US Embassy in Lisbon posted: &ldquo;We are heartbroken by the tragic derailment at Lisbon's Gl&oacute;ria funicular&hellip; our deepest condolences to all affected.&rdquo;
Tourists and locals alike were stunned. Felipe, a Spanish visitor, said he &ldquo;never expected such a serious accident to happen at such a famous landmark in the heart of Lisbon.&rdquo;
This is not the first time the funicular has suffered a mishap. In 2018, a derailment occurred without casualties. Yet the scale of Wednesday&rsquo;s tragedy has now left the city, and Portugal, in deep sorrow.
The Gloria Funicular, built in the late 1800s, connects Restauradores Square to the Principe Real district and is celebrated worldwide as a symbol of Lisbon&rsquo;s charm. Today, it has become a site of national grief.

Gloria Funicular derailment kills 15, injures 18; Portugal mourns with global condolences

Lisbon’s Iconic Funicular Tragedy

Gloria Funicular derailment kills 15, injures 18; Portugal mourns with global condolences

September 4, 2025 | 09:00 IST