Lisbon’s Iconic Elevador da Glória Funicular Derails and Overturns
In a devastating incident on September 3, 2025, Lisbon's iconic Elevador da Glória funicular derailed and overturned, resulting so far in 15 fatalities and many injuries. The accident occurred at around 18:05 local time near Avenida da Liberdade, a popular area frequented by both locals and tourists.
It crashed with brutal force into a building and fell apart like a cardboard box (...). It hit with a very large force, an impressive thing. It didn't have any kind of brake.
Eyewitness, sic.pt
A Popular Attraction Turns to Tragedy
The Elevador da Glória, a historic funicular railway that has been operating since 1885, connects the Baixa district to the elevated Bairro Alto neighborhood. Known for its vibrant yellow-and-white carriages, it serves as a vital link for residents and a cherished attraction for the millions of tourists visiting Lisbon annually. Each carriage has a capacity of up to 42 passengers, though the exact number aboard during the incident remains unconfirmed.
I heard a loud bang and then the screams of people. The police arrived, then the ambulances came and started taking people away. I didn’t see any blood, but many people weren’t moving, they must have been unconscious.
Eyewitness
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters and paramedics working to rescue trapped passengers and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Among the injured, at least four are reported to be in critical condition.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences, stating:
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed his “condolences and solidarity” with the families affected by “this tragedy” and called for the incident to be swiftly clarified by the competent authorities. The head of state stated that he “deeply regrets the accident, particularly the fatalities and the seriously injured, as well as the several people with minor injuries.”
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