A major accident occurred in central Lisbon, Portugal, when a famous tram (funicular) that was very popular among tourists derailed, resulting in the death of 15 people. The tragedy that struck the bustling city during rush hour plunged all of Lisbon into shock and sorrow. The Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning.
According to the Associated Press (AP) and others, around 6 p.m. local time on the 3rd, the 'Gloria Funicular (Elevador da Glória)' that climbs and descends a steep hill in central Lisbon derailed. The tram slid down the hill and collided with a building at the roadside, overturning. As of now, at least 15 people have died and 18 others have been injured. Among the injured, 5 are reported to be in critical condition, leading to concerns that the death toll may rise.
The funicular that had the accident connects the Baixa historic district, which is considered a key tourist area in Lisbon, with the scenic Bairro Alto region. It has been operating on this route since 1885, totaling 140 years of service. The narrow yellow funicular has captivated tourists from around the world with its unique romantic scenery. It was designated a national monument in 2002 and is a core tourism resource utilized by over 3.5 million people each year.
The accident occurred during rush hour when the city was crowded with commuters, leading to significant damage. Local media reported that victims included passengers on the tram as well as pedestrians passing nearby. The Portuguese health authorities stated that "among the victims, there is a mix of Portuguese and foreign surnames," and they are "in the process of confirming the exact nationalities."
The scene was turned into chaos immediately after the accident. Videos and photos posted on social media show that one yellow tram car was overturned and damaged beyond recognition, surrounded by debris. Witnesses told AP that "the tram ran down the hill out of control," adding that "the tram overturned onto a man who was on the sidewalk at the time."
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Initial investigations suggest the possibility of a cable severing. The New York Times (NYT), citing Lisbon's firefighting authorities, reported that "the funicular's cable structure lost control and collided with a building when it snapped." The funicular operates by having two cars connected to the ends of the cable, moving in opposite directions to balance each other. If one cable breaks, it can lead to a serious accident.
On the day of the accident, the funicular operator 'Carris' stated that it had conducted its last maintenance last year. However, it seems difficult to avoid criticism regarding inadequate safety management of the aging facilities. The Portuguese government plans to launch an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident as soon as the rescue operations are completed.
The sudden tragedy has deeply shocked Portuguese society. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, issued a statement offering his "deep condolences to those who lost their lives in the tragic accident and to their families." Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon, visited the site and said, "Today is a tragic day for our city. Lisbon is in mourning," unable to hide his sorrow. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission (EU), also expressed condolences in Portuguese on social media X.
This accident is expected to significantly impact the tourism industry, which plays a major role in the Portuguese economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry accounts for 22% of the overall economy and one out of four jobs in Portugal. Bloomberg noted that "this accident has cast a dark shadow over the charm of Lisbon, which attracts millions of foreign tourists each year."