Tragedy on the Glória line: lisbon funicular crash leaves many dead and injured
At least 15 people were killed and several more injured after a funicular railway derailed in Lisbon, Portugal, officials and local media reported. Emergency teams are at the site and some people remain trapped, CNN Portugal said as rescue crews worked into the night.
The higher death toll was reported after an earlier update from the Public Security Police that said at least three people had died and about two dozen were injured, with at least nine in serious condition. Video posted by witnesses showed a chaotic scene just after the accident, with heavy smoke and the overturned car on its side.
What happened at the Glória funicular
The accident involved the Glória Funicular, a popular Lisbon landmark that can carry up to 42 people and first opened in 1885. Footage carried by CNN Portugal showed the mangled car lying on its side surrounded by emergency workers. While passengers climbed out of another car further down the track.
- The cause of the derailment remains unclear.
- The Homicide Brigade of the Judiciary Police is among the teams investigating.
- Carris, the public transport firm that runs the funicular, said its teams were on site and “all means have been activated” to respond.
City leaders and international figures react
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called the crash “a tragic day for our city” and said municipal teams, emergency services (INEM). Civil protection and the fire department were all on site helping victims. “Lisbon is in mourning,” he added.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s office said the president “deeply regrets” the incident and offered condolences. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also posted her condolences in Portuguese.
Rescue and investigation under way after lisbon funicular crash
Emergency services focused first on helping the injured and freeing anyone still trapped. Carris said the priority was to monitor the situation. Investigators will now work to determine how the funicular came off its tracks. Authorities have not released a cause.
The Glória funicular is a well-known funicular railway in lisbon, popular with tourists and locals alike. The scale of the damage and loss of life has left the city reeling as crews continue to search and assist victims. And begin a formal probe into the lisbon funicular accident.
For more on the lisbon funicular crash and breaking lisbon news. Follow TNN for continuing coverage, US news today and Canada news today.
