Lisbon remains shocked by the tragedy involving the iconic funicular “Elevador da Glória,” which derailed and crashed into a hotel building, causing the death of at least 18 people and injuring 21 others. The first victim to be identified is employee André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a brake operator on the ill-fated car.
The accident occurred on Wednesday evening (03.09.2025), around 6:15 PM local time, during rush hour. Witnesses reported that the funicular was descending at uncontrolled speed, without brakes, before crashing into a corner building. Among the victims are both Portuguese nationals and tourists, including a German father, whose wife is hospitalized in critical condition, while their three-year-old child suffered minor injuries.
The country has declared national mourning, while authorities investigate the causes of the accident, with reports suggesting a possible cable failure. Carris, the company that operates the system, expressed its grief, describing Marques as a “dedicated and kind professional.”
The “Glória,” which has been operating since 1885 and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, has been taken out of service, along with other funicular lines, until safety checks are completed. The tragedy raises serious questions about the resilience of old transport systems and the pressure they face due to increased tourist traffic in Lisbon.
::: NEW FOOTAGE :::
Derailment of Lisbon’s historic Gloria Funicular, also known as Elevador da Glória, on September 3, 2025, has escalated into one of the city’s deadliest public transport accidents.
Initially reported with at least three fatalities and around 20 injuries,… pic.twitter.com/l1Ty1jIrgp
— Culture War Report (@CultureWar2020) September 3, 2025
