Portugal is observing a national day of mourning after a funicular railway crash in central Lisbon killed at least 16 people and left more than 20 others injured, including tourists from Germany and Spain. Authorities had earlier reported 17 fatalities before revising the toll.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the incident as “one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history.” Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that five people remain in critical condition. “Portugal is and has always been a nation that is made of courage,” he said, praising emergency responders who rushed to the scene. “Portugal is united.”
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called it an “unprecedented accident” and said the city “needs answers.” He expressed grief for the victims and their families, promising transparency in the investigation. Carris, the operator of the Gloria funicular, has been ordered to conduct both internal and external inquiries.
Local media reported that a cable may have come loose on the steep line, sending the carriage off control before it derailed on a bend near Restauradores Square and crashed into a building. Authorities have opened multiple investigations, including by police, prosecutors, and the national transport safety authority.
Among the victims was André Marques, a funicular brakeman who had worked for Carris for 15 years. The company described him as a “dedicated, kind and happy professional.” A German family-of-three was also caught in the crash; the father died at the scene, the mother remains in critical condition, and their three-year-old son sustained minor injuries. Portuguese officials also confirmed the deaths of employees of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia charity.
São José hospital reported that of the five severely injured brought in, one died, three remain in controlled condition, and one is in intensive care. Four others with minor injuries—including a pregnant woman and a child—have been discharged.
Residents and tourists described scenes of chaos. “I thought it was construction work but then I saw many ambulances,” said local resident Melissa Lemos, who lives near the site. Another witness told reporters he shouted to his wife, “We’re all going to die.” “No matter how many more years I live, I’ll never take the funicular again,” he added.
The crash has rattled Lisbon, where the Gloria funicular is a major tourist attraction linking Restauradores Square with Bairro Alto. The service, which carries millions of passengers annually, has been suspended along with three other funiculars in the city as safety inspections continue.
Crowds gathered Thursday at the cordoned-off crash site, leaving flowers and taking photos. “It’s very sad for all people here, that these people came for a visit here and this accident happened,” said a local resident. Two tourists from Singapore told reporters they had planned to ride the funicular but changed plans at the last minute. “It changes your perspective on life,” one of them said.
The UK Foreign Office said it is monitoring the situation and is ready to assist British nationals if needed. Authorities have so far confirmed Portuguese, German, and Spanish nationals among the injured, alongside others from Korea, Cape Verde, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Morocco.