Lisbon’s Historic Elevador da Glória Derails, Killing 15 and Injuring 18

Lisbon, September 3, 2025 - A tragic accident struck one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks this evening when the Elevador da Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade, resulting in 15 fatalities and 18 injuries.

The incident occurred at approximately 18:00 local time during the start of the evening rush hour. According to fire department officials, a haulage cable became detached, causing the upper carriage to lose control and collide forcefully with the adjacent structure. Dramatic footage shared on social media showed the yellow tram-like car mangled against the wall, with smoke billowing from the wreckage as bystanders and first responders worked to extract trapped passengers.

Emergency services, including the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment and multiple medical teams, arrived swiftly on the scene. Rescue operations continued into the night, with seven of the injured taken to São José Hospital and the remainder treated at Santa Maria and São Francisco Xavier hospitals. Five of those injured are in critical condition, including one child.

Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, declared, “It is a tragic day for our city,” and announced that the Lisbon City Council has decreed a day of municipal mourning on September 4 as a mark of respect for the victims. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa conveyed his deep condolences: “My thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragedy,” and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the derailment.

The Elevador da Glória, inaugurated in 1885, connects Restauradores Square in the Baixa district with Bairro Alto. It carries over 3 million passengers annually and is celebrated for its panoramic views of the city’s historic center. This derailment represents one of the deadliest transport disasters in Lisbon’s recent history.

An official inquiry has been launched by the government and transport authorities to establish the sequence of events leading to the cable failure and to recommend safety measures preventing future tragedies.