Funicular Crash Lisbon Portugal Update: 17 Dead in Elevador da Gloria Tragedy

A tragic crash of Lisbon’s Elevador da Gloria funicular has left 17 people dead and 21 injured. The accident happened around 6 p.m. on September 3, 2025, when the historic tram derailed and crashed into a nearby building.

Portugal has declared a national day of mourning. The victims, including foreign nationals, have all been identified. Emergency services completed recovery efforts overnight.

Lisbon’s Deadliest Tram Accident in Years

The Elevador da Gloria is a famous Lisbon landmark. It links the city’s Baixa and Bairro Alto districts. On Wednesday, one of its carriages came off the track and hit a structure.

The funicular was carrying both locals and tourists. Authorities confirmed 17 fatalities and 21 injuries. Eleven of the injured are foreigners.

Images from the scene show a flipped carriage, broken glass, and debris. Firefighters and police worked into the night. Video footage showed passengers jumping out of windows in panic.

According to national media and CNN Portugal, a loose cable caused the derailment. Officials are investigating the accident thoroughly. Carris, the company running the tram, is assisting the inquiry.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas have expressed deep sorrow. Lisbon is observing three days of mourning.

Safety Questions Raised as Investigation Begins

Portugal’s public prosecutor is leading the investigation. Police and transport safety experts are collecting evidence. Officials are checking the funicular’s cables and motors.

Carris has suspended operations for safety checks. The Elevador da Gloria has served Lisbon since 1885. It’s both a daily transport line and a tourist icon.

This accident is one of Portugal’s worst public transport tragedies in recent memory. The government has promised a full report and accountability.

Emergency crews noted that the crash happened during evening rush hour. As tourists filled the streets, the tram line was under pressure.

Authorities say the lower car remained stable, but the upper carriage suffered severe damage. Video shows it slammed into a wall at speed.

This is a major loss for Lisbon. The funicular crash will reshape how tourist transport is managed in Portugal.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: What caused the Lisbon funicular crash?

Officials say a loose cable led to the derailment. This caused the tram to hit a nearby building during evening hours.

Q2: How many people died in the Lisbon tram accident?

Seventeen people were confirmed dead. At least 21 others were injured, including several foreign nationals.

Q3: Where did the Elevador da Gloria crash happen?

The crash occurred between the Baixa and Bairro Alto districts. This is a steep hill route popular with tourists.

Q4: What is Portugal doing in response?

A national day of mourning has been declared. Lisbon has also announced three days of city-wide mourning.

Q5: Is the Elevador da Gloria still operating?

No. The line has been suspended for safety checks. Authorities are investigating the full cause of the crash.