Lisbon, September 4 (Kiran News): At least 15 people were killed and 18 others injured after Lisbon’s historic Glória Elevator tourist train derailed on Wednesday evening, in what has been described as one of Portugal’s deadliest rail tragedies.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) confirmed the casualties, adding that five of the injured are in critical condition. A child is among the injured.
Tiago Augusto, head of INEM’s Event Planning, State Protocol and Crisis Management Unit, told reporters that firefighters deployed eight vehicles and 34 personnel to the site. The injured were rushed to Santa Maria Hospital.
The Glória Elevator—also known as Elevador da Glória—is a funicular operated by Carris company, connecting Restauradores Square to Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto. Covering a steep 265-metre route, it is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Officials said the crash occurred after a technical fault in the cable system caused the train to derail and collide with a building. Lisbon’s Firefighters Regiment reported the accident happened shortly after 6 pm. Authorities also confirmed that some of the victims were foreign nationals.
By 8:30 pm, all victims had been taken to hospitals. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas said: “Lisbon is in mourning. This is a tragic moment for the city.”
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his condolences to the families affected and declared a day of national mourning.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.