At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured on Wednesday when Lisbon's historic Gloria Funicular, a popular tourist railway, derailed near the city center. The National Institute of Medical Emergency confirmed the casualties following the midday accident, which left twisted metal carriages strewn across the steep track.
Emergency teams worked for hours to free trapped passengers as stunned tourists watched. The 140-year-old funicular, which climbs Lisbon's hilly Baixa district, has transported millions since its 1885 inauguration. Authorities suspended all Lisbon funicular services pending safety reviews.
"This is Lisbon's worst transport accident in decades," said municipal spokesperson Ana Costa. The crash raises questions about maintenance of aging infrastructure in European tourist hubs. Portugal's National Accident Investigation Unit has launched a probe.
