A tragic incident has struck Lisbon as the historic Gloria Funicular derailed, leaving three people dead and nearly 20 others injured. Authorities say one of the cars attached to the haulage cable fell from a great height after a cable reportedly came loose, sending the carriage crashing into a nearby building.
Emergency crews, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, rushed to the scene to rescue trapped passengers. Witnesses described the crash as happening with tremendous force, tearing the carriage apart “like a cardboard box.”
According to Portuguese media Público, the funicular, which dates back to 1885 and is a popular attraction for tourists connecting Praça dos Restauradores to Bairro Alto, has now become the center of a national tragedy.
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences: “The President of the Republic deeply regrets the accident that occurred this afternoon with the Gloria funicular railway in Lisbon, particularly the fatalities and serious injuries, as well as the various minor injuries. The President offers his condolences and solidarity to the families affected.”
Historic Funicular, Now a Scene of Devastation
The Gloria Funicular, electrified in 1915 but retaining much of its original character, is a symbol of Lisbon’s charm. Today, however, it is marked by sorrow as images show mangled metal and smoke rising from the wreckage. Officials are investigating whether mechanical failure in the cable system was the direct cause of the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos
One witness, Teresa d’Avo, told Portuguese TV channel SIC: “It crashed into a building with brutal force and fell apart like a cardboard box. It didn’t have any kind of brakes.”
Key Updates:
- Police confirm three fatalities and around 20 injuries.
- Several passengers remain trapped in the wreckage.
- Authorities are investigating a loose cable as the likely cause.
- Portugal’s President extends condolences to victims’ families.
As Lisbon mourns this tragedy, many are calling for a thorough review of safety measures on historic public transport systems to prevent further disasters.
