Three Britons Among 16 Killed in Lisbon’s Historic Elevador da Glória Derailment

A devastating accident struck Lisbon on Wednesday evening, 3 September 2025, when a carriage of the iconic Elevador da Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building, killing 16 people and injuring more than 20 others. Among the dead were three British nationals, an 82-year-old man, a 44-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman, confirmed by Portuguese police.

The victims also included five Portuguese citizens and individuals from South Korea, Canada, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United States, and France. A German national initially thought to be among the fatalities was later found alive in the hospital, although other German citizens remain hospitalized.

The crash occurred during the evening rush hour, with the descending carriage speeding out of control, apparently after a steel haulage cable snapped and struck a building at high velocity. Witnesses described the carriage as crumpling “like a cardboard box.” The incident, occurring on one of the city’s most historic and beloved tourist attractions, has been described by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro as “one of the greatest tragedies in our recent history.”

Immediate response teams, including 62 rescuers and 22 emergency vehicles, rushed to the scene to care for the injured, five of whom are in serious condition. Emergency operations were accompanied by a wave of national grief. A solemn memorial Mass was held at Lisbon’s Church of Saint Dominic, attended by top officials, including Portugal’s president, the prime minister, and the mayor of Lisbon. The government declared a National Day of Mourning, with the city observing three days of municipal mourning.

Portugal’s Office has launched an investigation into the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail, along with law enforcement and the funicular’s operator, Carris. While all scheduled maintenance, including a full overhaul just last year and a visual inspection nine hours before the incident, had reportedly been completed, early signs point to mechanical failure rather than foul play. A preliminary technical report is expected soon, followed by a broader police report within six weeks.

The Elevador da Glória, a National Monument carrying around three million passengers annually, has had several safety warnings in the past, particularly from transport unions citing concerns over cable tension and braking. In the wake of the accident, all of Lisbon’s funicular lines have been suspended pending safety inspections.

Sources: The Guardian, AP News, BBC News