SHOCK: 62 Rescue Workers and 22 Ambulances Rushed to the Scene of the Glória Funicular Derailment in Lisbon — But What They Found Inside Brought Even Them to Tears 💔
On the evening of September 3, 2025, at approximately 6:05 p.m. local time, the vibrant streets of Lisbon were shattered by one of the city’s deadliest transport disasters in recent history. The iconic Glória funicular, a beloved symbol of the Portuguese capital and a vital link between the bustling Restauradores Square and the charming Bairro Alto district, derailed in a catastrophic accident that left at least 16 people dead and 21 others injured. The scale of the tragedy prompted an immediate and massive response, with 62 rescue workers and 22 ambulances rushing to the scene. Yet, what these brave first responders encountered amidst the wreckage was so heart-wrenching that it brought even seasoned professionals to tears.
A City’s Heart Breaks
The Glória funicular, or Elevador da Glória, has been a cornerstone of Lisbon’s identity since its opening in 1885. Designed by Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, this bright yellow tram-like vehicle, electrified in 1915, carries up to 43 passengers per car and serves approximately three million people annually. It is both a practical mode of transport for locals navigating Lisbon’s steep, cobbled streets and a must-see attraction for tourists seeking panoramic views of the Tagus River and the city’s historic skyline. On this fateful Wednesday, however, the funicular’s routine journey turned into a nightmare.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as one of the funicular’s two cars, which operate in tandem via a counterweight cable system, derailed and plummeted down the steep Calçada da Glória. According to reports from Portuguese media, including Observador, a loose or broken traction cable may have caused the car to lose control, hurtling it “at full speed” into a nearby building with “brutal force.” The impact was so severe that the carriage “collapsed like a cardboard box,” as one witness told SIC television. The second car, located at the bottom of the hill, remained largely intact but jolted violently, prompting panicked passengers to leap from its windows to safety.
The Rescue Operation: A Race Against Time
The response to the disaster was swift and extensive. Within three minutes of the alert at 6:01 p.m., the Lisbon Fire Brigade, alongside police and medical teams from the National Institute for Medical Emergencies (INEM), descended upon the scene. A total of 62 rescue personnel and 22 emergency vehicles, including ambulances and helicopters, were deployed to assist survivors trapped in the wreckage. The operation, which lasted over two hours, was a testament to the dedication of Lisbon’s emergency services, who worked tirelessly to cut through twisted metal and debris to reach those in need.
Among the most poignant moments was the rescue of a three-year-old German boy, pulled from the debris by a police officer. Tragically, the boy’s father was among the deceased, and his pregnant mother was critically injured, underscoring the personal toll of the tragedy. The injured were transported to multiple hospitals across Lisbon, including São José, Santa Maria, São Francisco Xavier, and Amadora Sintra, with five individuals reported to be in critical condition.
A Scene That Moved Heroes to Tears
What made this tragedy particularly devastating was the human toll uncovered by the rescue workers. Among the 16 confirmed fatalities was André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a brake guard employed by Carris, the municipal public transport company that operates the funicular. Carris described Marques as a “dedicated, kind, and happy professional, always willing to contribute to the greater good.” His loss, alongside that of other victims, including former volleyball referee Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade and lawyer Alda Matias, struck a deep chord within the community.
Rescue workers, accustomed to high-pressure situations, were visibly shaken by the scale of the destruction and the stories of those they found. Social media posts on X captured the raw emotion at the scene, with images of the crumpled yellow funicular surrounded by debris and smoke. One account from @AP described tourists and locals alike reeling from the “horror” of the crash, noting that the funicular, typically packed with foreigners during the peak tourist season, had become a site of unimaginable loss. The sight of families torn apart, including the young German boy and his injured mother, left many first responders grappling with the emotional weight of their work.
A Nation Mourns
The Portuguese government declared September 4, 2025, a national day of mourning, while Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, announced three days of municipal mourning, calling the incident “a tragedy of the like we’ve never seen.” Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described it as “one of the biggest human tragedies in our recent history” and vowed a swift and thorough investigation to determine the cause. Condolences poured in from world leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed her sadness on X, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who offered solidarity to the Portuguese people.
The crash also prompted an outpouring of grief from Lisbon’s residents and visitors. A growing pile of flowers at the crash site on Rua da Glória served as a makeshift memorial, as people paid their respects to the victims. The Portuguese Volleyball Federation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Trindade, while the transport union SITRA mourned Marques, highlighting his professionalism and warmth.
Questions of Safety and Accountability
As the nation grieves, questions about the safety of the Glória funicular have come to the forefront. Carris insisted that all maintenance protocols were followed, with general maintenance conducted every four years (last in 2022), interim repairs every two years (last in 2024), and regular monthly, weekly, and daily inspections. However, reports from Spanish newspaper El País and statements from transport unions suggest that workers had repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate maintenance, particularly since the outsourcing of upkeep to external contractors began in 2011. A previous derailment in May 2018, caused by poor wheel maintenance, had raised red flags, though no injuries occurred at the time.
The Portuguese judicial police, public prosecutors, and the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail are now investigating the crash. Initial reports point to a possible brake failure linked to a loose cable, but authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause. Lisbon City Council has suspended all funicular operations in the city, including the Bica, Lavra, and Graça lines, for immediate safety inspections.
A Global Tragedy
The international scope of the tragedy became evident as authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the casualties and injured. Victims included two South Koreans, a Swiss national, and individuals from Germany, Spain, Canada, France, Italy, Morocco, and Cape Verde. The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon expressed heartbreak, confirming one American among the deceased, while Global Affairs Canada reported two Canadians missing and one injured. The Australian government is providing consular assistance to one citizen with minor injuries.
Moving Forward
The Glória funicular derailment has left an indelible mark on Lisbon, a city known for its charm and resilience. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. The bright yellow carriages, once a symbol of Lisbon’s vibrant spirit, now stand as a somber reminder of the fragility of life. For the 62 rescue workers and countless others who witnessed the aftermath, the images of loss and bravery will linger long after the wreckage is cleared.
In the words of Mayor Moedas, “The city needs answers.” As Lisbon mourns, the world watches, hoping for clarity and justice for those lost in this heartbreaking disaster.
Sources: The Guardian, The New York Times, Sky News, BBC, TIME, Al Jazeera, CNN, Wikipedia, @AP, @AP.
