The tragic accident involving the Ascensor da Glória, which occurred in Lisbon on September 3, 2025, resulted in the loss of lives and left families in mourning. In response, the government has declared a national day of mourning on September 4, 2025, as a symbol of the Portuguese people’s grief and solidarity, according to a decree approved by the Council of Ministers.
A source from the Prime Minister’s office announced that Luís Montenegro has canceled part of his schedule for Thursday, maintaining only the Council of Ministers meeting and a videoconference with the Coalition of Goodwill’s leaders discussing Ukraine.
Originally scheduled for Thursday was the signing of a financing contract for affordable housing with the European Investment Bank and attendance at a Carolina Deslandes concert as part of the Book Festival in Belém, both of which have been canceled.
The Prime Minister’s office previously issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the accident involving the Elevador da Glória, noting that the government has been monitoring the situation and coordinating with public authorities since the early moments following the incident.
“The government has been closely coordinating with medical emergency services, health units, civil protection, security forces, and transportation authorities, ensuring all necessary support is provided,” it stated, also highlighting ongoing collaboration with the Lisbon City Council.
The priority remains aiding the victims, and the relevant authorities will conduct investigations in due course to determine the causes of this unfortunate accident, the statement added.
The Elevador da Glória derailed this afternoon at 6:04 PM on Calçada da Glória.
The derailment resulted in at least 15 fatalities, as reported by INEM, with several individuals sustaining serious injuries.
Managed by Carris, the Elevador da Glória connects Restauradores to Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto along a 265-meter route and is popular among tourists.
Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas stated that the city is in mourning after the “tragic” accident involving the Elevador da Glória, resulting in numerous fatalities.
“We are all on the ground trying to assist the victims of this tragic accident in the city of Lisbon. I am in contact with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the entire government. It is a tragic and very hard moment,” he remarked.
“What I can say is that Lisbon is in mourning. It is a tragic moment for our city,” he added.
The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, reiterated that Lisbon is in mourning following the derailment of the Elevador da Glória earlier this afternoon, which resulted in over a dozen fatalities and several injuries.
Maria Gouveia | 20:12 – 03/09/2025
