Tragedy in Lisbon: 15 dead, 18 injured after historic cable car derailed

LISBON: A tragic accident on Lisbon’s iconic Gloria funicular railway has claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left 18 others injured, emergency medical services confirmed on Wednesday. The cable car, a well-known tourist attraction and symbol of the Portuguese capital, derailed while navigating the city’s steep hills.

Authorities have yet to release the identities or nationalities of the victims, though officials confirmed that several foreign nationals are among the deceased. Five of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

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Calling it a “tragic day for our city,” Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “Lisbon is in mourning,” he said during a press briefing. In response to the disaster, the Portuguese government has declared Thursday a national day of mourning.

Footage from the scene showed the wreckage of the distinctive yellow funicular car, mangled and overturned on the hillside. Emergency responders were seen pulling survivors from the debris as investigators began work to determine the cause of the derailment.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also issued a statement expressing his condolences and directing for a thorough investigation. The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that a formal inquiry has been launched, in accordance with standard procedures for public transport incidents.

The Gloria funicular, which began operations in 1885, connects the downtown area near Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto, a district renowned for its vibrant nightlife and panoramic city views. Operated by Carris, Lisbon’s public transportation company, the line is used by both locals and millions of tourists each year.

Carris said that all scheduled maintenance procedures had been followed, including daily safety inspections and regular monthly checks. Each of the funicular’s two cars, which operate on a counterbalance system, can carry about 40 passengers. While the car at the bottom of the incline appeared to escape major damage, video footage showed it lurching abruptly at the moment of the derailment, with panicked passengers leaping from its windows.

The incident comes at a time when Lisbon is experiencing a major tourism boom, particularly in the summer months. According to local officials, the Gloria line transports around three million passengers annually.

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Foreign ministries are now working to identify any nationals involved. The UK’s Foreign Office said it is in contact with local authorities and is prepared to offer consular support to British citizens, if needed. The United States, Spain, and Germany, also major sources of tourism to Portugal, have not yet issued official statements.