At least 15 people have died and around 18 others were injured after a funicular railway car derailed in Lisbon. An emergency medical service spokesperson confirmed the details to reporters. The Gloria funicular, a popular attraction for tourists, experienced the accident during the evening rush hour around 6 p.m.

Authorities have not released the identities or nationalities of the victims, but they indicated that some foreign nationals were among those who lost their lives. Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon, expressed his sorrow, stating, "It's a tragic day for our city … Lisbon is in mourning, it is a tragic, tragic incident."

Images from the scene show the yellow-and-white streetcar lying on its side on a narrow road. The vehicle's sides and top were partially crumpled, suggesting it crashed into a building where the track had bent. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, which will commence once the rescue operation concludes.

Emergency workers responded quickly, with several dozen at the scene. However, most of them stood down after about two hours. Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa extended his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her sympathies, stating, "It is with sadness that I learned of the derailment of the famous Elevador da Glória," in a message posted on X.

The Gloria funicular, officially known as Elevador da Glória, can carry more than 40 passengers, both seated and standing. It is frequently used by Lisbon residents and is classified as a national monument. The funicular operates two streetcars that run parallel to each other, transporting passengers up and down a curved, traffic-free road for a few hundred meters.