At least 15 people were killed and 18 others injured on Wednesday when Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular derailed, according to emergency services in the Portuguese capital.
The National Institute for Medical Emergencies confirmed that five of the injured, including a child, remain in critical condition. Several foreign nationals were also among the victims. Rescue teams have recovered all casualties from the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses reported that the funicular car lost control while descending the steep hill, before crashing with severe force into a building. Video footage from the scene showed the carriage overturned and crumpled, its roof and sides collapsed.
The Gloria funicular, inaugurated in 1885, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, linking Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto district. The line, operated by Carris, carries around three million passengers annually and is a popular attraction for both residents and tourists.
Authorities confirmed that an official investigation will be launched once recovery operations are concluded.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the incident as an unprecedented tragedy and announced a citywide mourning period, while the Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning for Thursday.
Tributes poured in from across Europe. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences to the bereaved families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani all conveyed solidarity with Portugal in the aftermath of the disaster.
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