Tragedy in Lisbon, derails the famous Gloria funicular: 15 dead and 18 injured (also involved an Italian)

Lisbona funicolare

A dramatic day hit Lisbon due to the derailment of the historic glory funicular, the means symbol of the city. The accident, which took place yesterday 3 September, caused 15 victims and at least 18 injured, of which five in serious conditions. The convoy, which connected the lower part to the Bairro Alto, crashed into a long building Rua da Glória, causing panic between residents and tourists.

An Italian citizen among the injured

Among the people involved there is also an Italian woman, who brought a fracture to the arm. The consular authorities have confirmed that its conditions do not cause particular concern, but Farnesina remains in close contact with the Portuguese institutions to verify the possible presence of other compatriots.

The causes of derailment

The first hypotheses regarding the causes of the derailment of the Lisbon funicular speak of the failure of a cable or a possible failure of the car braking system. According to the firefighters, the convoy has lost control in the highest part of the route and crouched in the impact. The police and the office for the prevention of railway accidents have already started an investigation to ascertain any responsibilities.

Controversies on maintenance

The tragedy turned on the spotlight on maintenance management. Just a few days ago a tender for the elevador from Glória had been canceled, because all the offers exceeded the established budget. The unions had already denounced the need for urgent interventions several times, but the public company Carris, who manages much of the city transport, claims to have respected all the security protocols.

The condolence of the institutions

The mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, spoke of “Unprecedented tragedy“, While the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his”deep condolence“To the families of the victims. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro decreed a day of national mourning.

A tourist icon

The glory funicular was not only a means of transport for the city of Lisbon. In 2002 he had been declared a national monument and was one of the most loved attractions by visitors: inaugurated in 1885, he transported over three million tourists every year.

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Chris Rivers

Chris Rivers

With over 15 years of experience in journalism and a deep-seated passion for environmental sustainability, I lead the editorial team at Green Technology Investments. My background in environmental science fuels my commitment to crafting insightful and impactful content. When I'm not penning articles, you can find me exploring national parks or tending to my organic garden.