At least 15 people have been killed and 18 injured after a funicular derailed in central Lisbon on Wednesday evening. Emergency services said the tram-like vehicle, known as the Elevador da Glória , was left mangled as rescuers pulled victims from the wreckage.
The accident happened around 6pm, at the start of rush hour, near the busy Praça dos Restauradores. Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the victims but did not release identities. Video from the scene showed the carriage smashed along its track, with emergency workers struggling to reach survivors.
Officials said the cause of the derailment remains unclear. “This is a terrible tragedy in one of Lisbon’s most historic landmarks,” a civil protection spokesperson said.
What is the Glória funicular?
The Elevador da Glória, opened in 1885, links Praça dos Restauradores with the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto. Electrified in 1915, it remains one of Lisbon’s most famous tourist attractions, offering a short but iconic ride up the city’s steep hills.
BREAKING: At least three people have been killed after the Gloria funicular in Lisbon derailed and crashed, emergency services said.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 3, 2025
More on this breaking story: https://t.co/3CLDC7EEGv
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/i2KF9EOGmF
JUST IN: Lisbon's iconic Gloria Funicular derails, causing injuries pic.twitter.com/d57zhaKCtV
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) September 3, 2025
The accident happened around 6pm, at the start of rush hour, near the busy Praça dos Restauradores. Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the victims but did not release identities. Video from the scene showed the carriage smashed along its track, with emergency workers struggling to reach survivors.
Officials said the cause of the derailment remains unclear. “This is a terrible tragedy in one of Lisbon’s most historic landmarks,” a civil protection spokesperson said.
What is the Glória funicular?
The Elevador da Glória, opened in 1885, links Praça dos Restauradores with the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto. Electrified in 1915, it remains one of Lisbon’s most famous tourist attractions, offering a short but iconic ride up the city’s steep hills.
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