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Tragic Cable Tram Accident Claims 17 Lives in Lisbon
A devastating cable tram accident in Lisbon has claimed the lives of 17 people, with the death toll rising overnight as two more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital. The incident occurred on September 3, 2025, around 18:00 local time when the iconic Gloria Funicular derailed while descending from the famous São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint to Restauradores Square.
International Victims and Ongoing Investigation
The victims include citizens from at least ten different countries, with confirmed fatalities from Germany, South Korea, Spain, and Italy. The Portuguese tram operator also perished in the accident. Authorities have identified 21 injured passengers, though four victims remain unidentified. No Dutch citizens were among the casualties.
According to preliminary investigations, the tragedy appears to have been caused by either a cable failure or brake malfunction. One of the cable cars suddenly accelerated down the steep incline, derailed, and crashed into a building. The tram was carrying approximately 40 passengers at the time of the accident.
National Mourning and Safety Measures
Portugal has declared a national day of mourning, while Lisbon will observe three days of mourning. All cable tram operations in the city have been suspended indefinitely pending comprehensive safety inspections and investigation results. The Lisbon municipal government awaits the outcome of new inspections before considering resuming service.
The Gloria Funicular, one of Lisbon's most famous tourist attractions, has been operating since 1885 and is considered a historic landmark. This tragic incident represents one of the worst cable car accidents in European history.
