LISBON, Sept 5 — What began as an ordinary evening in Lisbon’s charming historic district turned into one of the darkest days in the city’s recent history. Sixteen lives were tragically lost when the iconic yellow Gloria funicular, a symbol of Lisbon’s soul and rhythm, veered off its steep track and crashed violently into a building. Among the victims were tourists from around the world — individuals who came to experience the magic of Lisbon, but whose journeys ended in heartbreaking tragedy.
The crash, which occurred Wednesday evening, has shaken not only Portugal but the global community, with citizens from at least seven different countries confirmed or believed to be among the deceased. Portugal observed a national day of mourning Thursday, as grief poured into the streets and flowers were quietly laid near the cordoned-off wreckage.
According to the latest reports, five Portuguese citizens, two Koreans, and one Swiss national have been officially identified among the deceased. Authorities also have strong reason to believe that two Canadians, a German, a Ukrainian, and a US citizen were also among the victims, based on IDs, messages, and loved ones’ statements.
In total, fifteen people — eight men and seven women — died on the scene, while another individual succumbed to injuries in the hospital. More than 20 people were injured, including at least 11 foreigners. Among the wounded is a three-year-old child, slightly injured, while the child’s mother, reportedly from Germany, remains in critical condition. Her husband was killed in the crash.
The tragic derailment happened in one of Lisbon’s most visited areas, where the steep streets are typically filled with laughter, street music, and the sound of camera shutters. Witnesses described the crash as horrific. “It hit the building with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box,” said one woman in tears, speaking to local television.
“A tragedy the likes of which our city has never seen,” Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas said somberly, as investigators worked through the night, surrounded by mangled metal and the haunting silence left behind.
Emergency responders, police, and forensic teams in bright vests and blue gloves combed through the wreckage. As families waited for news, strangers lit candles and left roses. There was a shared, quiet grief — a moment that transcended borders.
The Gloria funicular is not just a mode of transport; it’s a beloved emblem of Lisbon’s culture. It has carried generations of locals and enchanted tourists through the city’s winding streets for more than a century.
Carris, the city’s public transport operator, insists that the funicular was up to date on all safety and maintenance checks. “Everything was scrupulously respected,” said Carris CEO Pedro Bogas, noting that the train’s maintenance had been outsourced to a contractor for the past 14 years, with the last major check in 2022 and an interim one in 2024.
In response to the tragedy, Lisbon’s authorities have suspended operations of the city’s three remaining funiculars as a precaution, launching full-scale inspections to ensure passenger safety.
As Lisbon mourns, the world watches with heavy hearts, waiting for answers. The tragedy is not just a local loss — it is a human one.
