The Glória Elevator, which connects Restauradores to Príncipe Real in Lisbon, derailed on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in more than a dozen deaths, reports Notícias ao Minuto.
One of the fatalities is the funicular’s brakeman.
The Lisbon Fire Brigade confirmed to Notícias ao Minuto that injuries have been reported and an alert was issued at 6:06 PM.
Speaking to Lusa at 6:30 PM, the Director of Civil Protection, Margarida Castro Martins, stated there are at least 20 injured, including two in critical condition, five with minor injuries, and several trapped. Two of the injured from the Glória Elevator derailment in Lisbon were taken to Santa Maria Hospital, confirmed a source from the Local Health Unit (ULS) to Lusa.
Some images shared on social media show the vehicle overturned, indicating significant violence. The vehicle is said to have derailed after a cable snapped, as firefighters indicated to Notícias ao Minuto. It then collided with one of the side buildings.
According to the official, “pre-hospital emergency work” was underway at that time, with the injured being transported to the hospital by INEM and firefighters working on extrication tasks.
Margarida Castro Martins suggested that the accident’s causes might be related to “cables and the way the trams operate since they work in a balanced way.”
“It seems to be a situation with potentially serious implications,” she remarked.
The Glória Elevator derailed and toppled on Wednesday, near Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. According to firefighters, the accident resulted in “many victims,” including serious injuries. pic.twitter.com/ADWpR5c8oe
— Mundo Vivo (@mundo__vivo) September 3, 2025
The fire brigade dispatched eight vehicles and 34 personnel to the scene.
The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, is already at the accident site, reports CNN Portugal. The mayor canceled his schedule for tomorrow, Thursday, September 4.
Carris “immediately contacted emergency and security forces”
Carris, the manager of the Glória Elevator in Lisbon, which derailed today causing multiple injuries, assured that all resources have been activated and that teams are on-site.
In a statement sent to Lusa, the company mentioned it “immediately contacted emergency and security forces.”
Carris, the manager of the Glória Elevator in Lisbon, which derailed today causing multiple injuries, assured that all resources have been activated and that teams are on-site.
Lusa | 19:22 – 03/09/2025
Marcelo requests “swift clarification of the situation by competent authorities”
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, lamented the accident involving the Glória Elevator in Lisbon on Wednesday afternoon, expressing his hope that “the situation is swiftly clarified by the competent authorities.”
“The President deeply regrets the accident with the Glória funicular in Lisbon this afternoon, especially the fatalities and serious injuries, as well as the several minor injuries,” the note on the Presidency’s website reads.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, deeply lamented “the accident” occurring Wednesday afternoon with the Glória Elevator and requested that “the situation be swiftly clarified by the competent authorities.”
Maria Gouveia | 19:14 – 03/09/2025
The Glória Elevator is managed by Carris, connecting Restauradores to the São Pedro de Alcântara Garden in Bairro Alto, along a route of about 265 meters, and is highly popular among tourists.
[Updated at 9:05 PM]
