In addition to the fatalities, 18 individuals were injured and taken to the hospital, five of whom remain in serious condition. Emergency services were swift to respond, and authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among those killed, although their nationalities have not yet been disclosed.
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, visited the hospital late on Wednesday and described the incident as a “tragic moment for the city.” The Portuguese government has declared a national day of mourning, with officials preparing to meet with the mayor in a cabinet session on Thursday.
Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, extended his condolences to the victims’ families, offering “sympathy and solidarity” in light of the tragedy. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also sent their heartfelt condolences.
The Gloria funicular, which has been a landmark of Lisbon since it first opened in 1885, was undergoing routine maintenance. According to Carris, the public transport company that operates the funicular, all necessary safety checks had been completed, including biennial and four-yearly inspections, as well as daily, weekly, and monthly checks.
Eyewitness reports, however, suggest that a malfunction in the braking system caused the funicular to lose control, sending it speeding downhill and crashing into a building at the bottom of the steep street. Several passengers were trapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated by emergency crews. The exact number of people on board at the time of the crash is still unclear.
The funicular, which runs 275 meters from Restauradores Square to the charming, cobbled streets of Bairro Alto, is one of Lisbon’s most famous attractions. The vehicle, with its bright yellow exterior, has become an essential part of the city’s landscape, used both by residents and the throngs of tourists visiting the capital. With the end of summer bringing an influx of visitors, the Gloria funicular remains a vital transport link in Lisbon’s hilly terrain.
Investigation teams, including representatives from the national transport safety authority, the criminal police, and the company responsible for the funicular, have all begun their work to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities are working diligently to understand how such a well-maintained system could have failed in such a tragic manner.
As Lisbon recovers from the shock, authorities and citizens alike mourn the loss of life in one of the city’s most iconic and beloved attractions.
Tags: Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, Lisbon
