At least 17 people are dead and 21 injured after one of Lisbon’s historic funicular trams derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday evening. The crash occurred just after 6 p.m. on the Glória line in central Lisbon, a popular route for both tourists and locals. Portuguese authorities have suspended all funicular operations in the city and declared Thursday a national day of mourning.
Among the injured are citizens from Portugal, Germany, Spain, Canada, Cape Verde, France, Italy, Morocco, South Korea and Switzerland, according to Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon’s civil protection agency. Public prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, while city officials ordered safety inspections on all remaining lines.
Tram Loses Control on Steep Central Route
The Glória funicular, operated by the public transport company Carris, derailed while descending a steep hill and struck a building where the road bends. Footage and eyewitness accounts describe the tram as “completely out of control.”
“It hit the building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box,” said Teresa d’Avó, in an interview with TV channel SIC. Another witness, Bruno Pereira, told CNN Portugal that the incident began when one tram jerked off the track and was followed by the second tram crashing moments later. “It hit the last time at the curve between Calçada da Glória and Rua da Glória and stopped with a loud crash,” he said.
Rescue teams arrived within minutes, and pathologists from the National Forensics Institute worked overnight to identify victims. Two people among the injured died later in hospital, raising the initial death toll from 15 to 17. Three others remain in critical condition.
Citywide Suspension and Official Response
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas visited the scene and confirmed the incident as unprecedented. “This is a tragedy that has never happened before in our city,” he told reporters. “Now is the time for action and help. I thank everyone for their response in just a few minutes.”
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declared Thursday a day of national mourning and described the tragedy as one that had “brought grief to … families and dismay to the country.” President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also expressed condolences and said he hoped the investigation would soon determine the cause of the accident.
Carris reported that all maintenance protocols had been followed, including monthly and weekly checks as well as daily inspections. Despite this, Lisbon’s three other funiculars were suspended for immediate safety reviews, according to local media.
Tourism and International Reactions
The Glória line, which transports about 3 million passengers annually, is especially popular with tourists visiting Lisbon’s central districts. The crash occurred during the evening rush hour and in peak travel season for the Portuguese capital.
European leaders expressed their condolences following the event. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “saddened by the terrible accident” and extended solidarity to Portuguese families. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani shared similar sentiments. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered her condolences and called the crash a “tragic event.”
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated it was in contact with local authorities and prepared to assist any affected British nationals.
Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, has experienced a major tourism boom in the past decade. The crash highlights risks associated with historic transport infrastructure now serving high volumes of both residents and international visitors.
Photo Credit: nito / Shutterstock.com
