A dramatic rescue effort is underway to save individuals, including children, who are trapped in the wreckage of a tram following a devastating accident. The incident occurred when the Lisbon Gloria Funicular derailed and crashed into a building, resulting in the death of 15 people, including foreign tourists, and leaving 18 others injured. Despite ongoing rescue operations led by emergency services in Portugal, more individuals are still believed to be stuck in the debris.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with reports of children under the tram and locals rushing to aid survivors amid the dust and destruction. Several individuals rescued from the wreckage are in critical condition and receiving medical treatment in hospitals.
The aftermath of the tragedy left passengers bloodied, marking it as one of the worst accidents in Lisbon’s recent history. Heart-wrenching images captured firefighters carrying injured victims on stretchers while shocked onlookers observed the devastation. Witnesses recounted the sheer force of the collision, likening the tram’s destruction to a flimsy cardboard box.
Authorities have confirmed that tourists are among the deceased, although their nationalities have not been disclosed yet. The funicular, a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon, suffered severe damage, with images showing the mangled remains of the vehicle.
In response to the incident, the Lisbon government has declared a national day of mourning scheduled for Thursday, with the Lisbon City Council also observing three days of municipal mourning. A statement issued by the Council of Ministers expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims, declaring a national day of mourning on September 4, 2025.
