Lisbon Funicular Crash Tragedy: 15 Dead, Dozens Injured on Ascensor da Glória

Liputan6.com, Jakarta A tragic incident rocked Portugal's capital, Lisbon, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The iconic Ascensor da Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building, killing at least 15 people and seriously injuring 18 others, as reported by BBC.

The fatal accident occurred at approximately 6:05 p.m. local time, during the evening rush hour.

The accident occurred on Rua da Glória, a prominent street in downtown Lisbon.

The Ascensor da Glória is one of three funicular lines operating in Lisbon and has been designated a national monument since 2002.

The tragedy of the Lisbon funicular crash has left deep sorrow for all the people of Lisbon and Portugal.

Close-up footage shows Lisbon’s iconic Gloria Funicular, also known as the Elevador da Glória, after it derailed, leaving at least three dead and 20 injured.Follow: @Novexa24 pic.twitter.com/t08xPMyBWA

— NOVEXA (@Novexa24) September 3, 2025

The funicular accident occurred as one of the Ascensor da Glória train cars was traveling downhill from São Pedro de Alcántara towards Restauradores.

The train then struck a building with brutal force and was crushed like a cardboard box.

One witness told Portuguese newspaper Observador the vehicle was "out of control, without brakes".

"We all started running away because we thought [the carriage] was going to hit the one below," said Teresa d'Avó.

"But it fell around the bend and crashed into a building."

The train that struck was reportedly overcrowded, carrying more than 40 passengers.

The devastating collision killed 15 people at the scene, while 18 others were injured.

Of these, five were in critical condition, and a child was also injured.

The Portuguese Ministry of Health confirmed that there were no children among the fatalities, but several foreign nationals were among the victims, although their nationalities were not immediately known.

The exact cause of the Lisbon funicular crash remains under investigation by authorities.

However, an initial report from the Lisbon Fire Brigade stated that the accident was caused by a "loose cable" in the funicular system.

Meanwhile, Carris, the company that operates the funicular, has issued a statement stating that all maintenance protocols were followed regularly.

They claim the last maintenance was carried out in 2022, followed by daily inspections to ensure operational safety.

However, local media have reported complaints from workers about "poor maintenance" on the Glória line.

The Lisbon funicular crash tragedy immediately sparked a response from the Portuguese government.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas also declared three days of mourning in the capital, emphasizing the profound impact of the accident on the local community.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa offered his sincere condolences to the victims' families, describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also expressed his deep sorrow over the incident.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent her condolences to the families of the victims.

Spain's Prime Minster Pedro Sánchez said he was "appalled by the terrible accident".