A renowned Lisbon funicular derailed on Wednesday, crashing into a building, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and 18 injuries in one of the city’s top tourist areas.
“A tragedy unprecedented in our city,” stated Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas about the accident involving the iconic yellow Gloria funicular.
All victims have been extracted from the debris, confirmed Tiago Augusto from the Inem emergency services, noting some were foreigners.
Rescuers reported 15 dead and 18 injured, though identities remain undisclosed.
Thursday has been declared a national day of mourning.
The incident occurred at 6:15 pm local time (1715 GMT) on a steep track near Liberty Avenue.
Social media images revealed the aftermath, showing the funicular engulfed in smoke and debris, smashed against a wall.
Another funicular halted a few meters away as shocked tourists and bystanders watched.
SIC television quoted a witness saying the funicular, which holds 40 people, collided with a building “at full speed” down the steep street.
“It crashed with immense force and crumpled like a cardboard box; it lacked brakes,” the witness stated.
Lisbon’s public transport operator claimed adherence to “all maintenance protocols.”
“Every protocol was meticulously followed,” said Pedro Bogas, head of Lisbon Carris, noting maintenance has been outsourced for 14 years.
General maintenance is conducted every four years, last in 2022, with intermediate maintenance every two years, completed in 2024.
Lisbon prosecutors are launching an investigation into the accident’s causes.
A significant number of emergency personnel remained onsite, surrounding the derailed train, observed by AFP journalists.
Grief and Dismay
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen shared on X her condolences to the victims’ families.
The tragedy “has brought grief to families and dismay to the nation,” said Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s office.
Lisbon’s three funiculars are beloved by tourists and locals for navigating the city’s steep streets.
“We’re somewhat relieved” to have avoided the funicular, said Antonio Javier, a 44-year-old Spanish tourist, who skipped it due to long queues.
The yellow funicular is a staple in the city’s souvenir shops.
The Gloria funicular is the most famous, first operating in 1885 and electrified in 1915, as per Portugal’s national monuments website.
