Portugal declares national mourning after Lisbon funicular crash

Portugal Prime minister's office has announced a day of national mourning after at least 15 people were killed and 18 injured when Lisbon's historic Gloria funicular railway derailed and crashed into a building during Wednesday, September, 03, 2025 evening busy hour.

The tragic incident has shocked the nation and prompted an immediate investigation into its causes.

The yellow-and-white Elevador da Glória car, a national monument operating since 1885, was found lying on its side in a narrow central Lisbon street with its metal structure crumpled beyond recognition.

Witnesses described the vehicle careening uncontrollably down the steep hill before striking a building with brutal force that left it fallen apart like a cardboard box.

Emergency services worked for over two hours to extract all victims from the wreckage, with five victims remaining in serious condition including one child.

While authorities confirmed foreign nationals were among the deceased, they declined to disclose specific nationalities pending family notifications.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office announced Thursday, September, 04, 2025 as national mourning day, as the tragedy has brought grief to families and dismay to the country.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the event as a tragic day for our city and declared Lisbon is in mourning following the devastating incident.

The funicular line, which transports approximately 3 million passengers annually between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto nightlife district, has been suspended indefinitely along with Lisbon's other streetcar lines pending immediate safety inspections.

Operator Carris confirmed that all maintenance protocols have been carried out including daily inspections and weekly maintenance programs.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed condolences, while Britain's Foreign Office noting Portugal's popularity with UK tourists confirmed monitoring for potential British casualties.