At least 16 people have died after Lisbon's Gloria funicular railway derailed and crashed into a building, also leaving at least 21 people injured, authorities said.
“This is one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history,” Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said, as he revised the death toll to 16 after authorities previously said 17 had died.
Authorities have not yet identified the victims but the head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency reportedly said it involved at least 38 people from 10 nationalities.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his condolences and solidarity to the families affected and said authorities are working to establish the cause of the incident.
Initial reports suggest the cable for the funicular came loose. Following the incident, Lisbon City Council suspended three other cable cars pending inspection.
The railway, which opened in 1885, is operated by the municipal public transport company Carris. On Wednesday night, it said "all maintenance protocols had been carried out", including monthly and weekly maintenance programs and daily inspections.
How disastrous Lisbon funicular crash that left 16 dead unfolded
How Lisbon, the city of light, is coping with its darkest day after tragic crash
Portugal declares day of mourning as 16 dead in tragedy on iconic Lisbon funicular
Passengers on Lisbon’s Gloria funicular ‘screamed with fear’, say horrified witnesses to crash
Key Points
- 16 people have died from the funicular crash
- Accident involved at least 38 people of 10 nationalities: reports
- Transport union identifies first victim
- Lisbon suspends three more funicular cable railways for inspection
- Mapped: Where the crash took place
Pictures: Crowds gather at site of crash
17:00 , Steffie Banatvala
Carris increased maintenance spending, head claims
16:44 , Steffie BanatvalaThe Carris head said maintenance costs have more than doubled between 2015 and 2025.
Pedro Gonçalo de Brito Aleixo Boga added that the funiculars have been working properly since 2007, and technicians check them regularly to make sure there are no problems. All findings are recorded.
He added that Carris will investigate the causes of the accident and who is responsible.
Carris 'doing everything possible' as all funiculars inspected
16:39 , Steffie BanatvalaThe chairman of Carris has said all funiculars in Lisbon are being inspected and the company is using external consultants at the mayor’s request.
The company is "doing everything possible" to collaborate with the authorities, he said.
Tragic accident has 'shaken Europe deeply': European Parliament President
16:30 , Steffie BanatvalaThe tragic accident on the Elevador da Glória has shaken Europe deeply.@Europarl_EN joins Portugal on this national day of mourning, flying our flags at half mast.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) September 4, 2025
🇪🇺🇵🇹
O acidente trágico no Elevador da Glória abalou profundamente a Europa.@Europarl_PT acompanha Portugal no… pic.twitter.com/g0hN9gvu6Q
Witness told his wife 'we are all going to die'
16:00 , Steffie BanatvalaLisbon resident Abel Esteves, 75, and his wife and grandson were among 40 passengers in the lower car who saw the carriage plunge towards them before derailing at the last second.
"I told my wife: 'We're all going to die here'," he said. "It picked up a brutal speed, took a slight turn and hit the building with a loud bang."
Quick rescue response avoided further tragedy: Portugese PM
15:30 , Steffie Banatvala
Thanking emergency services, the Portuguese Prime Minister said their fast response “avoided a bigger and more devastating tragedy”.
"Portugal is and has always been a nation that is made of courage," he said.
Initial investigation findings to be published tomorrow: transport office
15:09 , Steffie BanatvalaInvestigative bodies have finished assessments at the site of the crash and will publish initial findings tomorrow, Lusa reports.
“The Aircraft and Railway Accident Prevention and Investigation Office (GPIAAF), together with the Judicial Police and the Authority for Working Conditions, has completed collecting evidence at the scene,” a spokesperson said.
The office said it would outline initial findings and the the direction the investigation will take.
City mayor Carlos Moedas earlier confirmed funicular operator Carris has been asked to open internal and external investigations.
In focus: How Lisbon, the city of light, is coping with its darkest day after tragic crash
15:00 , Steffie Banatvala
How Lisbon, the city of light, is coping with its darkest day after tragic crash
Portuguese PM revises death toll to 16
14:41 , Steffie BanatvalaAt least 16 people have died from the crash, according to the Portuguese Prime Minister.
Luís Montenegro revised the death toll to 16 people, after authorities initially said 17 people had died from the crash.
Gloria funicular is classified as a national monument
14:15 , Steffie BanatvalaThe funicular, known as Gloria, can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is commonly used by Lisbon residents.
Two carriages run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred metres.
It is classified as a national monument.
Lisbon hosted around 8.5 million tourists last year, and the funicular is a popular attraction.
Portugal's national football pays tribute to victims of crash
14:00 , Steffie BanatvalaA Federação Portuguesa de Futebol associa-se à dor e consternação provocadas pelo trágico acidente ocorrido em Lisboa.
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) September 4, 2025
Antes do treino, a Seleção AA homenageou as vidas de quem foi atingido pela tragédia do Elevador da Glória.
Os nossos pensamentos estão com os familiares das… pic.twitter.com/7DTxBtLrkB
Health minister visited three hospitals where victims were being treated
13:45 , Steffie BanatvalaPortugal’s Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins has visited three hospitals where at least 16 of the 23 people injured in the crash were being treated, CNN Portugal reported.
'Today is a day of pain', says Portuguese PM
13:34 , Daniel KeaneMr Montenegro said Portugal was experiencing a “day of pain” after the crash.
He also confirmed five people remained in a critical condition.
"Today is a day of pain, no words are sufficient to heal your loss and to fill the void that has been left behind by those who have departed," he says.
"The whole country is sharing in your grief."
Pregnant woman and child discharged from São José hospital
13:30 , Steffie BanatvalaOne of the centres where victims were taken at São José hospital has said four people with minor injuries, including a pregnant woman and child, has been discharged.
“Out of the five severely injured people that were admitted to the emergency department of the São José Hospital yesterday, one died, three are in controlled condition, and one is in intensive care,” they told the BBC.
It is not yet clear whether the person who died at São José hospital is one of the two victims Portuguese authorities earlier said died in hospital overnight.
Crash could have been 'a much bigger tragedy', says Portuguese PM
13:26 , Daniel KeaneThe Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, says the prompt arrival of emergency services at the scene of the crash prevented more deaths.
“This could have been a much bigger tragedy,” he says.
Lisbon mayor says funicular operator has opened independent probe into derailment
13:24 , Daniel KeaneLisbon’s mayor Carlos Moedas is speaking at a press conference in the Portuguese capital.
He says that the president of Carris, which operates the funicular, has opened an independent investigation into the derailment.
CARRIS lifts and elevators temporarily closed
13:15 , Steffie Banatvala
Pope Leo XIV sends condolences to families of victims
13:00 , Steffie BanatvalaPope Leo XIV has sent condolences for the victims of the accident in Lisbon.
In a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of the Pope, he asked the Patriarch of Lisbon to convey his “deepest condolences to the bereaved families, as well as his spiritual closeness.”
The Pope prayed for the recovery of the injured, and granted “a comforting apostolic blessing to all, especially the families of the deceased.”
Police launched hotline for family and friends of victims
12:45 , Steffie BanatvalaThe police have launched a telephone line and email contact for family and friends of victims.
They can be reached on:
211 968 000
chefepiquetelx@pj.pt
"For this service to be effective and agile, we ask that only family members, close friends, and official entities use it ," police said.
Worker killed in crash was loyal and dedicated: funicular operator
12:30 , Steffie BanatvalaAfter Sitra named worker André Marques as one of the 17 people who died in the crash, the funicular operator has paid tribute to his loyalty and dedication.
André Marques was known for his loyalty and dedication. He worked at CARRIS for 15 years, performing his duties with excellence and serving as an outstanding representative of CARRIS in the history of the city, contributing in an essential way to the excellence of the service we provide daily to our customers and to Lisbon.
British Foreign Office on standby to provide assistance to any affected Brits
12:00 , Steffie BanatvalaThe UK Foreign Office has said it is on stand by to provide assistance if any British nationals affected.
“We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities,” an FCDO Spokesperson told The Independent.
“We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.”
The crash is thought to have involved at least 38 people from 10 nationalities, the head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency is cited as saying by local media.
Portugal tourism board ‘shocked’ by Lisbon elevator crash, praises rescue efforts
11:30 , Steffie BanatvalaPortugal’s national tourism board has expressed deep shock and sorrow following the tragic accident.
“It was with deep shock and dismay that the Board of Directors of Tourism of Portugal and its workers learned of the tragic accident that occurred at the Glory Elevator in Lisbon, which resulted in a high number of casualties and serious injuries, including foreign nationals,” Tourism of Portugal said in a statement on Facebook.
“Tourism of Portugal joins in the profound grief over this tragedy, extending its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who, directly or indirectly, suffer from this loss, as well as its solidarity in the recovery of all those injured.
“The Institute also expresses its recognition and appreciation to all those involved in rescuing and supporting the victims and shares in the grief of the city of Lisbon at this difficult time of mourning.”
Pictures: Mourners lay flowers in tribute to the victims
11:15 , Steffie Banatvala
Lisbon suspends three more funicular cable railways for inspection
11:00 , Steffie BanatvalaLisbon City Council has closed three more funicular cable railways for inspection after Wednesday’s crash.
The Bica, Lavra and Graça funiculars were suspended “to carry out technical inspections”, Lusa reported.
Both the Bica and Lavra were inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, as with the Glória. The Graça opened to the public last year.
Two injured Spanish people have been discharged: Spanish FM
10:45 , Steffie BanatvalaTwo Spanish nationals injured in the crash have been discharged, according to local media citing Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares.
Mr Albares said there is no information on whether any Spaniards are among those killed.
He added that he had spoken with his Portuguese counterpart on Wednesday to convey the Spanish government’s “full solidarity and condolences,” as well as its readiness to collaborate by any means necessary.
Mapped: Where the crash took place
10:38 , Steffie BanatvalaThe Gloira funicular line connects Lisbon's downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter).
Accident involved at least 38 people of 10 nationalities
10:30 , Steffie BanatvalaThe crash is thought to have involved at least 38 people from 10 nationalities, the head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency said.
Of the 17 people killed, seven men and eight women died at the scene, all adults. The gender of two people died overnight in hospital is not yet known.
Seven of the people injured are in serious condition. At least 12 of the people injured are women and seven are men, aged between 24 and 65, including a 3-year-old child.
So far, the confirmed nationalities among those injured are:
- Four Portuguese
- Two Germans
- One Spaniard
- One Korean
- One Cape Verdean
- A Canadian
- An Italian
- One French
- One Swiss
- One Moroccan
European Parliament flies flags half-mast in mourning
10:00 , Steffie BanatvalaThe European Parliament is flying its flags at half-mast in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Lisbon, according to Lusa.
The gesture marks Portugal’s national day of mourning.
Transport union names funicular worker killed in crash
09:56 , Steffie BanatvalaPortuguese transport union Sitra has named a man who worked for Carris as one of the 15 people who died in the crash.
Sitra said André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, who worked as a brake guard, died in Wednesday’s crash.
“We also send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident,” Sitra said in a post on Facebook.
Police have not yet confirmed the identities of the victims.
Pictures: police on guard as people work at the site of the accident
09:46 , Steffie Banatvala
Death toll rises to 17
09:30 , Steffie BanatvalaThe death toll in the Lisbon streetcar crash has now risen to 17, an emergency services official said.
Two of the injured died overnight in a hospital, Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency, told reporters.
Death toll rises to 16 after injured person dies overnight in hospital
09:23 , Steffie BanatvalaAn injured victim of the crash has died overnight after been taken to the Hospital de São José, according to Lusa news agency.
The latest death brings the death toll of the incident to 16.
It brings the death toll of the incident to 16.
At least 23 people were injured, local media reported police as saying.
Number of injured rises to 23
09:00 , Steffie BanatvalaThe number of people injured has risen from 18 to at least 23, according to police.
At least 15 people have been killed in the crash.
Forensic pathologists worked overnight on autopsies, officials said.
Order of Engineers providing technical support
08:45 , Steffie BanatvalaThe Order of Engineers has provided technical support to determine the causes of the accident, according to Lusa.
The organisation is the official professional body for engineers in Portugal.
Blood Institute reinforced hospital reserves, activates contingency plans
08:30 , Steffie BanatvalaThe Portuguese Institute of Blood has reinforced the blood reserves of hospitals that responded to victims in the crash.
It has also activated a contingency plan, Lusa reports.
Public prosecutor launches investigation
08:15 , Steffie BanatvalaPortugal's public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the causes of the crash, national news agency Lusa reports.
"As is customary in these types of situations and as required by law," the attorney general's office said.
The investigation is separate to one carried out by public transport company Carris.
Watch: At least 15 dead as Lisbon’s iconic Gloria cable car derails
07:59 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFirst victim identified
07:39 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe brakeman of the Lisbon’s Gloria Funicular, which derailed yesterday, has been identified as one of the 15 people killed in the crash.
Andre Marques controlled the electric streetcar's ascent and descent, The Metro reported.
Sitra, the Transport Workers’ Union, confirmed his death, saying: "We also extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident."
All victims pulled out of wreckage
07:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLisbon's emergency service officials said all victims were pulled out of the crash wreckage in just two hours after an electric streetcar crashed, killing 15 people.
The crash reportedly occurred at the start of the evening rush hour, around 6pm local time.
Five of the injured were in serious condition and a child was among the injured, Portugal's National Institute for Medical Emergencies said in a statement.
Authorities called it an accident, the worst in the city's recent history, and it cast a pall over Lisbon's charm for the millions of foreign tourists who arrive every year.
What is Lisbon's funicular cable?
06:48 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA picturesque electric streetcar that is one of Lisbon’s big tourist attractions derailed and crashed yesterday, killing 15 people and injuring 18 others, emergency services said.
Footage shows the tram-like funicular, which carries people up and down a hillside in the Portuguese capital, destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage.
The streetcar, technically called a funicular, is harnessed by steel cables and can carry more than 40 people, seated and standing. It is also commonly used by Lisbon residents.
The service up and down a of a hill on a curved, traffic-free road in tandem with one going the opposite way was inaugurated in 1885. The line connects Lisbon's downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto (Upper Quarter), famous for its vibrant nightlife.
It is one of three funicular lines operated by the municipal public transport company Carris and is used by tourists as well as local residents.
Carris said in a statement that "all maintenance protocols have been carried out", including monthly and weekly maintenance programs and daily inspections.
Portugal in shock as Lisbon’s iconic Gloria cable car derails
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFootage from yesterday showed that the hillside funicular in Lisbon was destroyed. Emergency workers were pulling people from the wreckage.
Officials reported that some of the deceased were foreign nationals but did not reveal their identities or nationalities.
More here.
Portugal in shock as Lisbon’s iconic Gloria cable car derails, leaving 15 dead
