Disaster: Tragedy in Lisbon: funicular in free fall

Lisbon is in shock. On September 3, 2025, the famous Glória funicular, which connects Baixa to Bairro Alto, derailed late in the day, causing an unprecedented tragedy. The accident claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 18, several of whom remain in critical condition.

In Switzerland, the Portuguese community is experiencing this tragedy with great emotion. Many have loved ones in Lisbon and are particularly affected by this tragedy. Beyond borders, solidarity is being expressed through messages of support, vigils, and spontaneous tributes. Portugal's grief also resonates in the hearts of the diaspora, deeply attached to its roots and its capital.

The course of the accident

Shortly after 6 p.m., one of the funicular's cables reportedly snapped. The vehicle, launched down the steep slope, lost all control before hitting a building below. The impact was so violent that the cabin fell onto its side, trapping many passengers inside.

Video

Help mobilized immediately

Firefighters and emergency services responded quickly. In just over two hours, all passengers were extracted from the wreckage. Several injured people were taken to hospitals in the capital, five of whom were in critical condition. The victims included Portuguese nationals as well as foreign tourists.

A city and a country in mourning

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas visited the scene of the tragedy and expressed their deep shock. The Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning for Thursday, while the Lisbon municipality observed three days of remembrance. Throughout the capital, flags at half-mast and candles lit demonstrate the solidarity of the population.

An investigation to determine the causes

Operator Carris claims the funicular was following standard maintenance protocols. However, many questions remain: was it a technical fault, a braking problem, or did the main cable break? The GPIAAF, the Portuguese agency responsible for investigating transport accidents, has opened a thorough investigation.

A broken tourist symbol

The Glória funicular, inaugurated in 1885, is one of the symbols of Lisbon. Thousands of tourists use it every week to reach Bairro Alto and admire the view from the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. This tragedy deeply upsets the residents, attached to this historical heritage, and calls into question the safety of this century-old infrastructure.