The iconic Lisbon’s Ascensor da Glória derailed today, near Avenida da Liberdade, resulting in devastating loss of life and multiple injuries. The incident is the deadliest accident in the city’s recent history.

Authorities have confirmed 15 fatalities and 18 injuries, including five in critical condition. Among the victims is a child, and several of the injured are foreign nationals.

Emergency services responded immediately to the scene, rescuing passengers trapped in the wreckage and transporting the injured to Lisbon’s main hospitals, São José, Santa Maria, and São Francisco Xavier.

Preliminary investigations point to a snapped or loosened haulage cable, which caused the car to plummet downhill uncontrollably and crash violently into a nearby building.  Eyewitnesses described the derailment as “out of control.” 

The Portuguese government has declared Thursday, September 4, a national day of mourning, while Lisbon’s municipality will observe extended municipal mourning. 

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Mayor Carlos Moedas, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have all issued messages of condolence. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and a public vigil is expected to take place in Lisbon tomorrow evening.

A formal investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause of the derailment, as authorities have pledged full transparency and immediate corrective measures to ensure the safety of Lisbon’s public transport.

The Ascensor da Glória, inaugurated in 1885 and electrified in 1915, is both a national monument and a symbol of Lisbon’s identity. It connects Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto, transporting over three million passengers annually. While minor incidents had been reported in the past, this marks the first deadly accident in its 140-year history.

PAJ/Staff | This developing story will be updated