EXPOSED: Officials Initially Blamed ‘Human Error’ for Lisbon’s Elevador da Glória Crash, but Evidence Reveals Systemic Failures Demanding Apologies

On September 3, 2025, at approximately 6:05 p.m. local time, Lisbon’s Elevador da Glória, a historic funicular railway connecting Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto district, derailed in a catastrophic accident that killed at least 16 people and injured 21 others, five critically. Initially, officials pointed to “human error” as the likely cause, suggesting that the operator, André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a dedicated brake guard, may have failed to manage the vehicle properly. However, mounting evidence has exposed a far more complex truth involving systemic maintenance failures and ignored warnings, leaving authorities, transport officials, and maintenance contractors with plenty to apologize for. The revelations have sparked outrage and demands for accountability in a city still reeling from one of its deadliest transport disasters in recent history.

The Initial Blame Game

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, early statements from Carris, Lisbon’s municipal transport operator, and local officials leaned heavily on the possibility of “human error.” During a press conference on September 4, 2025, reported by BBC News, Carris CEO Pedro de Brito Bogas implied that the operator’s actions were under scrutiny, noting that investigations would examine “all factors, including operational procedures.” This narrative suggested that Marques, who tragically perished in the crash, might have failed to engage the brakes or respond appropriately to a mechanical issue. The implication caused a swift backlash, particularly from transport unions like SITRA, which called the suggestion “premature and unfair” in a statement to Lusa news agency.

Marques, a 15-year veteran described by Carris as a “dedicated, kind, and happy professional,” was among the first victims identified. Survivors reported hearing him shout “Hold on!” moments before the crash, and evidence later confirmed he attempted to engage the brakes three times, as noted by The New York Times. The rush to point fingers at him has since been overshadowed by revelations that systemic issues, not individual failure, were at the heart of the tragedy.

The Truth Uncovered: A Systemic Collapse

Investigations by Portugal’s judicial police, public prosecutors, and the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail have revealed a cascade of failures that absolve Marques and point to institutional negligence:

Ignored Maintenance Warnings: Maintenance records, cited by ABC News and corroborated by posts on X from @TheIndeWire, show that inspections conducted weeks before the crash on August 15, 2025, identified fraying and improper tension in the funicular’s traction cable. Despite these findings, no immediate repairs were made, and the funicular continued to operate. A Portuguese transport union official, Manuel Leal, told RTP that workers had filed “repeated complaints” about cable tension issues, which were dismissed by management due to cost concerns.
Brake System Failure: Analysis of the funicular’s cockpit, reported by CNN Portugal, revealed that Marques attempted to engage the brakes three times, but all systems—operational, emergency, and mechanical—failed. Engineering expert Fernando Nunes da Silva, speaking to SIC Notícias, noted that the brakes showed signs of corrosion and misalignment, likely undetected during routine checks. The failure of multiple redundant systems, designed to prevent such disasters, points to gross maintenance lapses.
Outsourcing and Budget Cuts: Since 2011, maintenance of Lisbon’s funiculars has been outsourced to contractors like MAIN – Maintenance Engineering, under a €1 million contract signed in 2022. El País reported that workers had warned about inconsistent maintenance quality due to outsourcing, a concern echoed by a 2018 derailment caused by neglected wheel maintenance. Most damningly, a maintenance tender was canceled on September 1, 2025, because bids were deemed “too expensive,” according to Observador, leaving the funicular operating with known risks.
Aging Infrastructure Under Strain: The Glória funicular, built in 1885 and electrified in 1915, was not designed for the 4.5 million tourists visiting Lisbon annually, as noted by Archyde. The lack of modern safety technologies, such as IoT sensors for real-time cable monitoring, left the system vulnerable to catastrophic failure, despite its status as a national monument.

These findings, detailed in initial investigative reports released on September 5, 2025, by the transport authority, have shifted blame from Marques to Carris, its contractors, and city officials who failed to act on known risks.

A Devastating Human Cost

The crash’s toll was staggering: 16 confirmed deaths, including five Portuguese nationals, two South Koreans, one Swiss, one American, one German, one Ukrainian, and one Canadian. Among the 21 injured, treated at hospitals like São José and Santa Maria, were a three-year-old German boy, whose father died, and his pregnant mother, who remains in critical condition. The international scope of the tragedy, with victims from 10 nationalities, underscored the funicular’s role as a global tourist attraction.

The rescue operation, involving 62 personnel and 22 emergency vehicles, was described as “heart-wrenching” by a firefighter quoted by Al Jazeera. Responders worked for over two hours to free survivors, with scenes of shattered families leaving lasting emotional scars. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles now marks the crash site on Rua da Glória, reflecting the community’s grief.

Calls for Apologies and Accountability

The evidence has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among Lisbon’s residents and transport workers, who feel betrayed by the initial scapegoating of Marques. SITRA issued a statement demanding a public apology from Carris and city officials for “defaming a hero who gave his life trying to save others.” Social media posts on X, including from @OnDisasters, echoed this sentiment, with users calling the rush to blame human error “disgraceful” and demanding accountability for systemic failures.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, speaking at a press conference on September 5, 2025, acknowledged the need for “full transparency” and vowed that “all responsibilities will be determined.” Mayor Carlos Moedas, who initially supported the human error narrative, has since called for an independent investigation, stating, “The city deserves answers, and those responsible must face consequences.” Carris CEO Bogas, who claimed on September 4 that a morning inspection found “no faults,” has faced criticism for misleading statements, as evidence of prior cable issues contradicts his assertion.

A City in Mourning, a Nation Demanding Change

Portugal observed a national day of mourning on September 4, 2025, while Lisbon declared three days of mourning. Condolences from global leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Pedro Sánchez, poured in, with the European Parliament lowering its flags to half-mast. The U.S. Embassy confirmed one American fatality, and Global Affairs Canada reported two Canadians missing and one injured.

The tragedy has exposed deep flaws in Lisbon’s transport infrastructure, particularly the reliance on outdated systems and outsourced maintenance. All funicular lines—Bica, Lavra, and Graça—have been suspended for safety inspections, and public trust in Carris is at an all-time low. The revelation that cable issues were detected weeks earlier has fueled demands for systemic reforms, including in-house maintenance and modern safety technologies.

Moving Forward

The Elevador da Glória crash has shattered Lisbon’s sense of safety and pride in its historic funiculars. The initial blame placed on “human error” has been debunked by evidence of systemic negligence, leaving Carris, its contractors, and city officials with apologies owed to the victims, their families, and a grieving public. As investigations continue, the focus is on ensuring justice for the 16 lives lost and preventing another tragedy. Lisbon’s iconic yellow funiculars, once a symbol of charm, now stand as a stark reminder of the cost of complacency.

Sources: ABC News, The New York Times, BBC, CNN Portugal, Al Jazeera, Observador, El País, Lusa, SIC Notícias, Archyde, @TheIndeWire, @OnDisasters.