Elevador da Gloria Tragedy: Funicular Derailment in Lisbon Claims 15 Lives, Injures 18

On Wednesday evening, a major accident occurred in Lisbon when the Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed, causing a devastating crash that resulted in a minimum of 15 fatalities and 18 injuries. Five of the injured are in critical condition. The derailment happened around 6 pm, allegedly due to a snapped cable, which led to the funicular careening into a building. The Elevador da Gloria, dating back to 1885, is a well-known cable railway that provides transportation from Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto area. It is utilized by both residents and tourists. Each of the funicular’s two cars can accommodate up to 42 passengers and are managed by Carris, Lisbon’s public transport company. The victims comprised Portuguese citizens and international visitors. No children were among the fatalities. Both those inside the derailed car and people nearby were affected. All the injured were taken to local hospitals by 8:30 pm. Santa Maria Hospital admitted six individuals, including a child and someone with severe injuries, while São Jose Hospital received nine others, with five in critical condition. The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, expressed his deep regret, calling it a ‘tragic moment’ and announced three days of municipal mourning. Emergency services, including firefighters and civil protection, provided assistance at the scene.