Emergency crews rushed to Lisbon's historic Gloria funicular railway on Wednesday after a catastrophic derailment killed at least 15 people and injured 18 others. The vintage rail car – a beloved tourist attraction in Portugal's capital – collided with a building during its descent, triggering a multi-agency response.
Portugal's National Institute of Medical Emergency confirmed the casualties, with rescue operations continuing through the afternoon. Authorities have cordoned off the iconic yellow tram route that typically carries visitors through Lisbon's steep Barrio Alto district.
"This is a dark day for Lisbon," said municipal spokesperson Ana Ribeiro. "We're focused on supporting victims' families and determining how this tragedy occurred."
Portugal declared a national day of mourning as transportation experts began examining the 19th-century railway system. The incident raises urgent questions about maintenance protocols for historic transit infrastructure balancing tourist demand with safety requirements.
With Lisbon receiving over 4 million annual visitors pre-pandemic, this accident may prompt renewed scrutiny of aging transportation networks in heritage cities worldwide. The Gloria line remains closed indefinitely as investigations continue.
