Published: Sept 4, 2025

At least 15 people were killed when a funicular railway car derailed in Lisbon on the evening of September 3, 2025. The crash occurred during the evening rush hour, shortly after 6 PM, when the streetcar reportedly lost control and sped downhill before crashing into a building.

The Elevador da Glória, one of Lisbon’s most famous attractions, has been in operation since 1885. The yellow-and-white funicular connects downtown Lisbon’s Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto district, offering passengers a scenic view of the city’s steep hills.

A Historic Transport System

The Glória funicular is a historic part of Lisbon’s transport network, first opened in the 19th century and electrified in 1915. The system consists of two parallel streetcars that operate with the help of steel cables: one car travels downhill while its weight pulls the other car uphill. Each year, the funicular carries about 3 million passengers, both locals and tourists.

Despite the tragic crash, which has caused grief throughout Portugal, the exact identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, though some foreign nationals were reported to be among the dead.

Mourning in Lisbon

The incident has left the city in mourning. Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences to the families of those affected, while Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas called it a “tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.”

The Elevador da Glória is a short but steep ride of just 850 feet (260 meters), usually completed in about three minutes. It remains one of the city’s most popular attractions, with tourists often lining up to experience the century-old streetcars that navigate the cobbled streets.

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