Officials issue statement after Lisbon funicular crash leaves 17 dead and more than 20 injured

On Wednesday evening, September 3, Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular derailed and crashed into a building, and officials have since released statements about the tragedy.

The crash killed at least 17 people when the funicular came off the tracks on a steep hill in the city centre. It injured more than 20 others, including foreign tourists and a three-year-old child. Authorities later confirmed two people died in the hospital, which pushed the death toll up overnight.

Witnesses said the carriage was “out of control, without brakes” before it hit the building.

Officials focus on helping victims and finding answers

Lisboa está de luto. Este é um momento trágico para a cidade.
As equipas da CML – Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros, Proteção Civil e Polícia Municipal – bem como os Bombeiros Voluntários, a PSP e o INEM, estão no local a prestar socorro. As vítimas foram encaminhadas para o…

— Carlos Moedas (@Moedas) September 3, 2025

Police said they are focusing on assisting victims and families and securing the site for investigators. Police, prosecutors, and the national transport safety authority are leading the inquiry. Local media reported a cable may have come loose, though authorities stressed it is too early to confirm the cause.

Portugal’s public prosecutor’s office confirmed it has opened an investigation “as required by law,” adding that steps are under way to preserve evidence in coordination with police agencies.

The UK Foreign Office told the BBC, “We are aware of this incident in Lisbon and are in touch with the local authorities. We stand by to provide consular assistance if there are any affected British nationals.”

On Facebook, Portuguese transport union Sitra said, “We also send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident.”

Prime minister Luís Montenegro called the accident a “tragic day for Lisbon and the country” and announced a national day of mourning.

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Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, also described the incident as “tragic” and said the city is in mourning. He wrote on Twitter, “Lisbon is in mourning. This is a tragic moment for the city. The teams from CML, Firefighters Sappers Regiment, Civil Protection and Municipal Police, as well as the Volunteer Firefighters, the PSP and the INEM, are on the scene providing assistance. The victims have been taken to the hospital.

“I deeply regret the lives lost and all the suffering caused. At this moment, what matters is to act: Support the families, assist the injured and ensure all necessary support to the authorities on the ground.”

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