Lisbon, Portugal – A tragic accident on Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular left at least 17 people dead and more than 20 others injured on Wednesday evening, after one of the carriages lost control and slammed into a building near Avenida da Liberdade. Authorities say several victims remain in critical condition as investigations into the cause continue.
Witnesses Describe Chaos and Panic
The crash occurred just after 6 p.m. local time when the uphill carriage of the 140-year-old funicular system reportedly malfunctioned. Witnesses said the lower carriage briefly rolled backward before the upper car barreled down the steep cobblestone track at high speed, colliding violently with a building.
Helen Chow, a tourist from Canada, recalled hearing a screech before the crash. “It sounded like a bomb,” she told the BBC. “There was pitch black smoke. Once it dissipated, you saw exactly what happened. People were frantic, crying, and running to help. It was awful. I am shaken.”
Other witnesses described passengers leaping from windows as the carriage sped out of control. Teresa d’Avó, a local resident, said the train “hit a building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box,” adding that it appeared to have “no brakes.”
Video Shows Devastating Aftermath
Verified footage circulating online shows the iconic yellow-and-white carriage crumpled against a building, with debris scattered across the narrow street. Another train, which had been preparing to ascend, remained stationary at the bottom of the hill.
Store owner Farid Shovro, who rushed to the scene, told Portuguese media he had “never seen so many people dead together.”
Tourists Narrowly Escaped the Crash
Some visitors said they had considered boarding the funicular just minutes before the accident. Eric Packer, a traveler from the United States, said he had been taking photos near the tram around 6 p.m. but chose to walk instead. Moments later, he heard what sounded “like a dump truck dropping a load of rocks” and turned to see dust and chaos rising from the crash site.
“Horrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and survivors,” Packer said.
Investigation Underway
The Gloria funicular, one of Lisbon’s most famous attractions, has been in operation since the 1880s and is powered by electric motors connected to a cable system. Officials are investigating whether a mechanical failure or brake malfunction led to the disaster.
Police have cordoned off the area, and emergency crews continue to assist survivors and secure the site. Portuguese authorities are expected to release further details in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
September 4, 2025