Lisbon Funicular Derailment Kills 15, Injures 18
Lisbon: At least 15 people were killed and 18 others injured on Wednesday evening when the historic Elevador da Glória funicular derailed, Portuguese authorities reported, as cited by the New York Times.
Of the injured, five are in critical condition. The accident occurred shortly after 6 pm local time when a cable reportedly snapped, causing the funicular to lose control and crash into a nearby building, according to the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment.
The Elevador da Glória, built in 1885, is a century-old cable railway connecting Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Each of its two cars carries up to 42 passengers and is operated by Lisbon’s public transport company, Carris. The line, a major tourist attraction, climbs steep hills and is iconic to the city’s historic landscape.
Portugal’s health ministry head, Tiago Augusto, confirmed that the victims include both Portuguese citizens and foreigners, though nationalities are yet to be confirmed. No children were among the deceased. Casualties included both passengers and nearby pedestrians, local reports said.
By 8:30 pm, all injured had been transported to hospitals. Six people, including one child and one critically injured adult, were admitted to Santa Maria Hospital, while nine others, five in critical condition, were taken to São José Hospital.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the incident as a “tragic moment” and announced three days of municipal mourning. He praised emergency responders, including the Firefighters Sappers Regiment, Civil Protection, Municipal Police, Volunteer Firefighters, PSP, and INEM, for their efforts.
“The priority now is to support the families, assist the injured, and ensure authorities have all necessary resources,” the mayor said in a post on X.
