03.09.2025 — Tragic derailment of Ascensor da Glória

Lissabon

Tragic derailment of Ascensor da Glória

Lisbon was left in shock after the historic Ascensor da Glória funicular derailed, killing at 16 people and injuring 23. The accident occurred just after 18:00 on September 3, 2025, when a cable snapping and emergency brake failure sent the descending car (#1) hurtling uncontrollably toward the bottom stop before it slammed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade.

Witneses say, “It hit the building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box. It had no brakes.” Another bystander recalled hearing desperate shouts of “There are kids under the tram!” as locals and tourists rushed through clouds of dust to pull survivors from the wreckage.

Emergency crews worked for hours to free those trapped, with firefighters carrying the injured on stretchers past stunned crowds. Among the dead are both Portuguese residents and foreign visitors — including the driver, who had worked for Carris for more than 15 years and was widely respected by colleagues.

Officials have declared three days of mourning in Lisbon alongside a national day of mourning across Portugal. The Ascensor da Glória, in service since 1885 and designated a national monument, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, carrying millions each year.

Investigators are focusing on a possible snapped cable and brake failure. In the wake of the disaster, all funiculars and elevators operated by Carris have been suspended until further notice. They will undergo extensive inspections and an intense review of external maintenance agreements, as well as internal standards, policies, and procedures.

The tragedy has sparked grief nationwide and renewed questions over the maintenance of the capital’s historic transport lines.

The unharmed car #2 was transported away from the site on Friday, September 5.

2096

Lissabon, Funicular* # 2
Lissabon, Funicular* # 1
Ascensor da Glória

Santo António, Calçada da Glória

On 3rd September 2025 at around 18:05 (local time) an accident took place on the Glória street funicular caused (most likely) by a snapped main cable.
Car 2 (on the left) rolled down the hill, but stopped at the stub-end with no structural damage.
Car 1 (on the right) rolled down the hill from a higher point, derailed and crashed into a building causing at least 16 deaths and 23 injuries.
• • •
3 сентября 2025 года около 18:05 (по местному времени) на уличном фуникулёре Глория произошла авария, причиной которой (вероятнее всего) стал обрыв несущего троса.
Вагон 2 (слева) скатился с горы, но остановился в тупике без конструктивных повреждений.
Вагон 1 (справа), находившийся выше, скатился с горы, сошёл с рельсов и врезался в здание, в результате чего погибло не менее 16 человек и 23 получили ранения.

4 syyskuuta 2025 v.
Kuvaaja: Karalis Arturs

1790

Lissabon, Funicular* # 1
Ascensor da Glória

Santo António, Calçada da Glória

Car 1 of the Glória street funicular after an accident.
See also:
https://transphoto.org/photo/2170926/
• • •
Вагон №1 уличного фуникулёра Глория после аварии.
См. также:
https://transphoto.org/photo/2170926/

Photo: Vigilantes da Estrada

3 syyskuuta 2025 v.
Lisääjä: Peter15Tr

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