Lisbon’s iconic yellow funicular—so often the backdrop of postcards and tourist selfies—has become the scene of tragedy.
At least three people were killed and 20 more injured on Wednesday evening.
The famous Gloria cable railway derailed near Avenida da Liberdade, Portugal’s Civil Protection Authority confirmed.
“Several passengers remain trapped,” officials said, adding that two victims are in critical condition.
Social media was quickly flooded with shocking footage: the once-charming tram overturned, smoke rising, passengers sprinting away in panic.
In total, 43 people were onboard when disaster struck around 18:05 local time.
What’s The Reason?
Local paper Observador reported that a loose cable may have caused the tram to lose control before slamming into a nearby building.
Sixty-two emergency responders and 22 vehicles were dispatched to the scene.
Portugal’s president released a statement of “sympathy and solidarity” with grieving families.
It remains unclear whether the victims were locals or tourists.
The Gloria Funicular isn’t just transport—it’s heritage.
First opened in 1885 and electrified 30 years later.
It carries passengers up 275 meters from Lisbon’s bustling Restauradores Square.
It reaches the cobbled streets of Bairro Alto in just three minutes.
Both a lifeline for residents and a magnet for tourists, it’s usually a symbol of Lisbon’s charm.
Now, investigators face the difficult task of asking: how could such a beloved icon turn deadly?
