In a tragic derailment on Wednesday morning, Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular plunged off its rails, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18, emergency services confirmed. The accident unfolded around 11:00 a.m. local time on the steep incline of the city’s Bica district.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) reported that five of the injured are in critical condition. Firefighters, paramedics and local police cordoned off the scene, treating passengers at the site and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Dating back to 1885, the Gloria funicular is one of Lisbon’s oldest transport links, carrying passengers up a 275-meter track between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto. With Portugal welcoming over 27 million visitors in 2023, the line has become both a commuter lifeline and a top tourist draw.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the derailment. While mechanical failure remains a leading theory, transport safety experts stress the challenge of modernizing century-old systems. "These heritage lines are living museums," says Maria Fernandes, a transport engineer at Lisbon Tech University. "We need robust inspection programs and real-time monitoring to keep them safe."
The accident has ignited a broader conversation on balancing heritage preservation with public safety. As Lisbon and other global cities look to maintain their historic charms, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for investment in infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness.
Reference(s):
At least 15 dead, 18 injured after Lisbon's Gloria Funicular derails
cgtn.com
