Portugal has declared a national day of mourning following a tragic accident involving the historic Glória funicular in Lisbon, which derailed and crashed into a building near Liberty Avenue on Wednesday evening. At least 15 people were killed and 18 others injured, including several foreign nationals. Five of the injured remain in critical condition.

The accident occurred at approximately 18:15 local time (17:15 GMT) when the 140-year-old funicular—an iconic yellow tram beloved by locals and tourists—lost control on its steep track and violently struck a building. The funicular was traveling on its usual 275-meter route between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto when disaster struck.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described the incident as a tragedy for the capital.

“This is a tragic day for our city,” he said solemnly.

Harrowing footage shared on social media showed the mangled, overturned carriage, smoke billowing from the wreckage, and crowds fleeing in panic. Emergency services raced to the scene and worked through the evening to rescue trapped passengers from the debris.

While the exact cause is still under investigation, several witnesses claimed the brakes failed as the tram descended the hill.

“The funicular hit the building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box,” one eyewitness told Portuguese broadcaster SIC.
Another, Teresa d’Avó, told Observador: “We started running because we thought it was going to crash into the carriage below. But it lost control and hit a building instead.”

According to Observador, a cable reportedly came loose along the line, contributing to the loss of control.

The Lisbon Prosecutor’s Office, city police, and the national transport accident investigation unit have launched a full inquiry. Public transport operator Carris, which runs the Glória funicular, stated that all maintenance procedures had been followed.

“All maintenance protocols were observed,” Carris said in a statement. “Interim servicing was completed last year, and regular monthly and weekly checks were carried out. We deeply regret this tragedy.”

International leaders expressed their sympathies in the wake of the tragedy.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended condolences to victims’ families.
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “appalled by the terrible accident.”
• Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also issued a statement of mourning.

The Glória funicular has been a symbol of Lisbon’s charm since it opened in 1885, later electrified in the early 20th century. Its signature yellow carriages carry passengers up one of the city’s steepest hills in just three minutes, offering scenic views and a nostalgic ride.

Now, a city and a nation grieve as authorities work to uncover the cause of one of the deadliest transport disasters in modern Lisbon history.