Portugal declares day of mourning for 15 people killed in Lisbon funicular railway crash
Guardian1 day
At Least 15 Killed in Lisbon Funicular Tram Crash
Above: Police and firefighters work on the site of the Gloria funicular railway accident in Lisbon, on Sept. 3, 2025. Image copyright: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
This tragedy highlights serious safety concerns about Lisbon's aging funicular system that authorities have failed to address. Workers had previously reported problems with tension cables, which caused braking difficulties, yet operations continued without proper safety measures. The fact that backup braking systems failed catastrophically suggests systemic maintenance issues that put tourists and residents at risk of death daily.
Pro-government narrative
Carris has maintained rigorous safety protocols for 14 years with the same maintenance company, conducting monthly, weekly and daily inspections according to established procedures. The Gloria funicular underwent comprehensive maintenance as recently as 2022 and had operated safely for decades without major incidents. This appears to be an unprecedented mechanical failure rather than a negligent oversight.