A tragic accident in Lisbon has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuries to around 18 others. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when a funicular tram derailed on the Gloria railway line at approximately 6:15 p.m. This popular mode of transportation, known for its steep hillside route, is frequently used by both locals and tourists.

The funicular, which consists of two carriages that can each accommodate about 40 passengers, crashed into a building. While the exact number of people on board at the time of the accident is still unclear, authorities confirmed that some foreign nationals are among the deceased. The victims have not yet been formally identified.

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed his sorrow, stating, "It's a tragic day for our city... Lisbon is in mourning, it is a tragic, tragic incident." He emphasized the importance of supporting the families affected and assisting the injured. In response to the tragedy, the Lisbon City Council has declared three days of municipal mourning.

Emergency medical services reported that five of the injured individuals are in serious condition, and a child is among those hurt. Footage from the scene showed the yellow tram leaning precariously after the crash, with debris scattered around and emergency personnel working to rescue those trapped inside.

The Gloria funicular line, which has been in operation since 1885, connects the downtown area near Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto district, known for its nightlife. It is one of three funicular lines managed by the municipal transport company Carris, which serves approximately three million passengers annually.

Carris stated that all maintenance protocols had been followed, including regular inspections and maintenance programs. The accident occurred during the evening rush hour, raising concerns about the safety of the popular transport system. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also expressed his condolences and hopes for a swift investigation into the cause of the crash.