Elevador Da Glória in Lisbon malfunctions, leading to a catastrophic derailment that claims 15 lives and injures 18 in a heartbreaking accident.
In a tragic turn of events, the Elevador da Glória, a beloved tourist attraction in Lisbon, derailed on Wednesday evening, causing a significant accident. The historic funicular, in operation since 1885 and designated as a national monument, connects downtown Restauradores Square with the vibrant Bairro Alto.
At around 6 pm local time during the evening rush, the tram car careened down the steep slope of Calçada da Glória out of control. The cabin collided with a nearby building and collapsed, resulting in a devastating scene.
At least 15 people were killed and 18 others were injured, including 5 in critical condition. Emergency teams mobilized with 62 rescuers and 22 vehicles to reach those trapped in the wreckage. Operation crews worked into the night to pull survivors from the crushed tram and clear debris.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa called the derailment a tragedy and urged a swift and transparent investigation. Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, declared it a tragic day for the city, with Lisbon in mourning.
Early assessments point to a cable failure as the cause of the derailment. Prior to the accident, Carris, the Lisbon municipal transport company, had maintained that all standard maintenance protocols had been followed. However, a public procurement for maintenance services was recently abandoned due to budget constraints.
The investigation into the derailment has intensified, with authorities scrutinizing Carris' maintenance practices. The derailment has reignited debates about the maintenance of aging infrastructure and public transport under financial pressures.
The Elevador da Glória serves Portugal's Lisbon, carrying around three million passengers annually. Each car on the Elevador da Glória can carry around 40 passengers. The system works with a counterbalancing cable mechanism powered by electric motors.
The Elevador da Glória was suspended for safety inspections following the derailment. The funicular's derailment on September 3, 2025, marks a dark day in Lisbon's history, leaving a lasting impact on the city and its residents.
Read also:
- ICE directed to enhance detention conditions following NYC immigrants' allegations of maltreatment
- Israeli finance minister issues warnings about potential annexation of West Bank territories
- United States faces rebuttal from South Africa over allegedly deceitful human rights report and assertions of land expropriation
- Accident at Rodalben Results in Injuries; Geoskop Area near Kusel Affected After Stormy Weather
