Lisbon funicular accident kills 17, injures 20 in crash

Lisbon funicular accident kills 17 and injures 20 as a tram crashes into a building. Witnesses report it was out of control. Investigation ongoing. A tragic accident struck Lisbon on Wednesday evening when a funicular carriage on the famous Gloria line lost control and crashed into a building. The incident occurred shortly after 18:00 near Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s busiest streets. At least 17 people lost their lives, and 20 others were injured, with several in critical condition.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos and Panic

Teresa d’Avó, who witnessed the crash, told Portuguese media that the carriage “hit the building with brutal force and crumpled like cardboard.” She added that it appeared as though the vehicle “had no brakes.” People nearby ran for safety, fearing the tram might collide with another carriage further down the hill.

Helen Chow, a Canadian tourist, described hearing a loud screech as the tram lost control. “Passengers were screaming, and some jumped out of the windows,” she said. “The sound was terrifying—like nothing I’ve ever heard before.”

Tourists Narrowly Escaped

Eric Packer, a U.S. visitor, shared that he and his friends had considered taking the cable car just minutes before the crash. After deciding to walk back to their hotel, they heard a loud noise similar to rocks falling from a truck. Turning around, they saw dust rising from the alley and realized the magnitude of the accident. Packer captured an image of the mangled yellow-and-white carriage lying against a building, with the other tram halted further down the hill.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Authorities immediately dispatched emergency services to the scene. Witnesses described locals and tourists rushing to assist the injured. Police and investigators are still examining the cause of the crash, including whether mechanical failure or human error played a role.

A City in Shock

Lisbon residents and visitors are shaken by the incident. The Gloria funicular, a historic and popular tourist attraction connecting Avenida da Liberdade to Bairro Alto, has long been known for its steep and narrow cobblestone streets, making safety a critical concern.

This tragic event has left the city mourning, with authorities promising a thorough investigation and measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.