Lisbon’s Glória Funicular: From Heritage to a Night of Tragedy
A peaceful ride turns disastrous…
On the evening of September 3, 2025, around 6:05 PM (WEST), Lisbon’s historic Glória Funicular—running from Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto along a steep, narrow hillside—became the site of one of the city’s worst transportation disasters. This 138-year-old line, famous for its vintage cars running in opposite directions, lost control that evening, and one car crashed into a building after derailing.
The moment of impact: “Fell apart like cardboard”
Eyewitnesses described the crash as horrifying. One said, “It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box”. Another noted, “The car jerked off the track and struck the walls like a rock.”
Casualties and victims
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Fatalities and injuries: Initial reports counted 15 dead, later updated to 16. Twenty-one others were injured, some critically, and were rushed to hospitals.
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International victims: The dead included citizens from Portugal, South Korea, and Switzerland. The injured included people from Spain, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Morocco, Cape Verde, South Korea, and Switzerland. Tragically, a child under three was among the injured.
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Heroic workers: André Marques, a brake operator for Carris, died, highlighting the risks faced by transportation workers in historic systems.
What went wrong? Safety concerns
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Cable failure: Investigators suggest a snapped cable caused the tram to lose control.
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Prior warnings: Union representatives said staff had previously reported cable tension and braking issues.
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Maintenance claims: Carris maintained that monthly, weekly, and daily inspections were conducted, though prior incidents in 2018 had already raised safety questions.
Reactions and condolences
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National mourning: The Portuguese government declared September 4 a day of national mourning, and Lisbon City Council observed three days of mourning.
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Political leaders: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called it “one of the biggest tragedies in our recent history” and promised a swift investigation. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described it as “a moment of profound sorrow for the city.”
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International support: Leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, Pedro Sánchez, and Antonio Tajani expressed condolences and solidarity.
A historic ride, shattered in an instant
The Glória Funicular, opened in 1885 and recognized as a national heritage site, carried around 3 million passengers annually and was a living symbol of Lisbon’s urban charm. Its vintage cars were as much a tourist attraction as a public transport service.
Final thoughts: A tragic lesson
The Glória Funicular represents Lisbon’s heritage and its urban soul. This disaster is more than just a mechanical failure; it is a stark reminder of the need for rigorous modern safety measures, even in historical and symbolic transport systems. Preserving heritage must go hand-in-hand with protecting lives.
