A funicular derailment on one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist routes has left 16 people dead and 21 injured, plunging the Portuguese capital into mourning. The accident occurred on the iconic Gloria Funicular, which carries around 40 passengers at full capacity.
Among the victims were both locals and foreign tourists. Fifteen people—eight women and seven men—died at the scene, while another passed away after being evacuated. Authorities have so far identified five Portuguese, two South Koreans, and one Swiss national among the deceased. Eight victims remain unidentified as investigations continue.
André Jorge Gonçalves Marques, a 40-year-old brake technician who had worked on the funicular for 15 years, was the first victim to be named publicly. He was a father of two and well-known in the community. His employer released a statement praising his professionalism, kindness, and dedication.
The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, a historic charitable foundation, confirmed that two of its employees—Alda Matias and Pedro Trindade—were among those killed. Matias had worked with the organization for 23 years.
Several foreign nationals were also caught in the tragedy. Emergency services reported that 11 injured passengers were from Germany, Spain, South Korea, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Morocco, and Cape Verde. French officials confirmed that at least one of their citizens was injured.
According to local media, a German family was particularly affected—the father was killed, the mother is in critical condition, and their three-year-old child suffered minor injuries.
A specialized identification team from the Judicial Police and the National Institute of Legal Medicine is working to identify the remaining victims with support from European databases.
The funicular, a beloved Lisbon landmark, has been closed indefinitely as authorities investigate the cause of the derailment.
