Cable break on the Elevador da Glória”: 16 dead after horror accident in Lisbon

Cable break on the Elevador da Glória”: 16 dead after horror accident in Lisbon

The unbelievable happened on September 3, 2025 in Lisbon: a tragic derailment of the “Elevador da Glória” funicular railway claimed at least 16 lives. The accident, in which the car accelerated uncontrollably and crashed into a building at around 60 km/h, severely affected not only the local population but also tourists. According to investigations, the cause was damage to the connection between the rope and the accident car. The cable had given way at the attachment point in the upper part, which had fatal consequences as the brakes no longer worked to prevent the accident. PZ-News reports that the cable consists of six strands, each with 36 steel wires and a fiber core, has a diameter of 32 mm and a breaking load of around 68 tons.

The funicular, which has been operating in Lisbon for about six years, attracts approximately three million passengers annually. This incredible incident resulted in numerous injuries, including a German who was seriously injured but found alive. Of the fatalities, five came from Portugal, three from Great Britain, two from Canada and two from South Korea, as well as one victim each from Switzerland, Ukraine, France and the USA. Tagesschau mentions that the investigation into the exact cause of the accident is being carried out by the criminal police and that this is a unique accident on the funiculars in Lisbon.

Technical testing and safety standards

The safety system of cable cars is generally designed to prevent accidents. Nevertheless, technical defects, such as material fatigue, can represent signs of potential dangers. The TÜV Association makes it clear that cable cars in Germany and Europe are intensively monitored and regularly inspected by external experts. Weekly and monthly checks of the systems and components are required. These regular checks are intended to ensure that everything is running smoothly and that safety standards are being met. TÜV Association highlights that the lifespan of a cable, as in the case of the cable used in the “Elevador da Glória”, is around 600 days, and that the rope, which had already been in operation for 337 days at the time of the accident, may therefore no longer meet the required standards.

Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa immediately spoke out and called for a quick clarification of the controversial circumstances, while Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences to the victims' families. For those affected and the entire nation, this accident remains a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the need not to lose sight of safety aspects, even with established means of transport. A detailed report on the investigation is expected in the next 45 days, while the comprehensive final report is expected in a year.

Although cable cars are generally considered very safe, this tragic event shows that even proven systems can fail. Cagliari is not only an exciting city, but also a place that will be remembered for not only the beautiful sights, but also the safety standards of the means of transport that transport millions here every day.