17 Killed, 23 Injured in Lisbon Hillside Cable Car Crash
Lisbon, Portugal — September 4, 2025
Tragedy struck in Lisbon on Thursday when a hillside cable car carrying dozens of passengers plummeted to the ground, leaving 17 people dead and 23 others injured, according to local authorities.
The accident happened shortly after 11 a.m. near the popular Graça neighborhood, where the hillside cable cars are both a tourist attraction and a daily mode of transport for residents navigating the city’s steep terrain.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where mangled metal and shattered glass stretched across the hillside. Survivors were pulled from the wreckage and transported to area hospitals. Officials said at least six of the injured remain in critical condition.
Firefighters worked for hours to secure the crash site and search for additional victims.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas called the disaster “one of the darkest days in our city’s history.” Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also expressed condolences, promising a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Early reports suggest a possible mechanical failure with the cable system, but investigators are still examining whether human error or inadequate maintenance may have played a role.
The Lisbon hillside cable cars, known for their scenic views of the city and Tagus River, are usually considered safe. Thursday’s catastrophe, however, has sparked urgent calls for a review of safety protocols and maintenance standards across the network.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the cable car began to sway violently before breaking free from its line. “People were screaming, and then everything just gave way,” said Rui Fernandes, a shop owner who saw the accident unfold.
Authorities have set up a family assistance center to help loved ones of the victims.
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