Tragic Crash of Lisbon's Glória Funicular Claims Lives

Tue Sep 23 2025 10:52:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A devastating derailment of Lisbon's famed Glória funicular results in 16 fatalities and raises concerns over transportation safety in the city.

On Wednesday evening, Lisbon's Glória funicular experienced a catastrophic derailment, leading to 16 deaths including a funicular worker and several international tourists. The incident shocked the city, prompting condolences from officials and a national day of mourning. While investigations continue, the community grapples with the loss, including notable figures from various countries.

Portugal is in mourning after 16 people died and a further 23 were injured when Lisbon's famous Glória funicular cable railway derailed on Wednesday evening.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro told a news conference on Thursday the number was revised down after emergency services earlier had put the toll at 17.

Among the dead were seven men and eight women, Margarida Castro Martins, head of Lisbon's Civil Protection Agency, said.

Five of those killed were Portuguese, while three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, an American, a Ukrainian, a Swiss, and a French national were also among the dead, police said.

Police have not yet confirmed the identities of those who died, but some have been named elsewhere. Here is what we know about them.

André Jorge Gonçalves Marques

Mr. Marques, who worked as the brake guard on the funicular, was among the dead, Portuguese transport union Sitra said. We send our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the accident and wish them a speedy recovery as well as the best recovery to the others injured in the accident, the union wrote on Facebook.

He was a dedicated, kind and happy professional, always willing to contribute to the greater good, according to his employer Carris, which runs the funicular.

Mr. Marques leaves behind a wife and two children, the newspaper reported.

Pedro Manuel Alves Trindade

The former volleyball referee has been named as another victim of the crash by the Portuguese Volleyball Federation, which said it was deeply saddened by the tragedy. It added that Mr. Trindade had served as leader of the Lisbon Volleyball Association as well as being a referee for it.

Mr. Trindade also worked as a guest professor at a higher education institute specializing in hospitality and tourism.

What else do we know?

Three other workers at Santa Casa da Misericórdia were also killed and have been named in Portuguese media. Alda Matias worked at the Strategic Planning Department alongside Mr. Trindade, while Sandra Coelho worked in the cultural department and Ana Paula Lopez was linked to childhood and youth projects.

In a statement, Paulo Sousa, ombudsman for Santa Casa, expressed shock over the loss of colleagues and friends.

The incident has raised questions regarding the safety of Lisbon's funiculars, which serve as a vital transportation link for both locals and tourists.

Authorities are investigating the reasons behind the mishap, and a national day of mourning has been declared in honor of the victims.