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Lisbon, the ancient capital of Portugal, recently experienced an unprecedented tragedy on its famous Gloria tram line, resulting in a massive injury crisis. The accident occurred around 6 PM on September 3rd, during rush hour, when a train carriage unexpectedly derailed and plunged down the slope, leaving behind a scene of devastation and profound grief. This was not merely a traffic accident but a major shock to the public, as the Gloria line is not just a public transport system but also a symbol and heritage deeply intertwined with the city's more than 130-year history.
According to The Guardian and local media outlets, the scene of the accident revealed the devastating nature of the tragedy. The famous yellow and white tram, known as the Elevador da Glória, was crushed and crumpled like a "cardboard box" after crashing violently into a building on a bend. A shocked witness recounted: "It hit the building with extreme force and shattered like a cardboard box. There was no sign of braking." Another witness added that the carriage had overturned, crushing a pedestrian, indicating a complete loss of control of the train.
A Gloria tram derailed and crashed into a building in Lisbon, killing at least 15 people and injuring 18 others.
Immediately after the incident, rescue forces quickly arrived at the scene. In over two hours of relentless effort, they pulled all the victims from the rubble. However, the accident had a tragic outcome: at least 15 people were killed and 18 others were injured, including one child, with five in critical condition. Some of the victims were foreigners, but their identities and nationalities have not yet been released.
The tragic accident has caused profound shock throughout Portugal. Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, said with a choked voice: "This is a tragic day for our city… Lisbon is in mourning, this is an extremely heartbreaking accident."
SIC television channel quoted witnesses as saying the train, which had a capacity of about 40 people, crashed into the building after speeding downhill "at maximum speed".
Following this immense loss, the Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning on September 4th. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing that the tragedy "causes grief for the families of the victims and shock for the entire country." President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also expressed his sorrow and called on authorities to quickly determine the cause of the incident to reassure the public.
Pedro Bogas, head of the Carris Lisbon public transport network, said they have "strictly adhered" to all maintenance procedures, including a comprehensive overhaul carried out every four years, most recently in 2022.
Not only domestic officials, but also international leaders have sent condolences. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her "deep sadness upon learning of the accident" and offered her condolences to the families of the victims. The British Foreign Office has also contacted Portuguese authorities to offer assistance to its citizens, as the UK is one of Portugal's largest sources of tourists.
The Gloria tram line is not just a means of transportation but also a national monument and a cultural icon of Lisbon. Operating since 1885, this railway line has served millions of passengers annually, connecting the center of Lisbon with the famous Bairro Alto district. In the last decade, with the boom in Portuguese tourism, especially during the summer, the Gloria line has become even more important, transporting approximately 3 million passengers each year.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the tragedy "caused grief for the families of the victims and shock for the country."
This serious incident has raised many questions about safety and maintenance. The public transport company Carris – which operates the tram line – has stated that "all maintenance procedures are carried out regularly," including monthly, weekly, and daily inspections. Carris leader Pedro Bogas added that a major overhaul is performed every four years, most recently in 2022, and mid-year maintenance is conducted every two years, most recently in 2024.
However, witness accounts of the train plunging "at maximum speed" with no signs of braking are at the heart of the investigation. Lisbon city authorities immediately suspended other tram services to conduct an urgent inspection. The incident is being urgently investigated to determine the exact cause, restore peace to Lisbon, and regain the trust of residents and tourists in a historical heritage that has been intertwined with their lives for over a century.
