• At least 15 fatalities reported after the Gloria funicular derailed in Lisbon.
• Many of the victims were foreign nationals; identities yet to be revealed.
• Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
• Emergency services responded rapidly, with many rescuers deployed.
• Lisbon Mayor declared three days of mourning for the victims.

On September 3, at approximately 6:05 PM local time, the historic Gloria funicular in Lisbon derailed, leading to at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Eyewitness accounts describe the funicular, a popular tourist attraction, speeding down the slope without brakes before crashing into a nearby building, according to reports from Al Jazeera, BBC, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

The Gloria funicular, operational since 1885, links Lisbon’s Baixa district with the Bairro Alto neighborhood, and it is a vital transportation method for both residents and tourists. Initial investigations indicate that a loose cable may have caused the funicular to lose control and derail, prompting a day of national mourning in Portugal and three days in Lisbon, as noted by local authorities and Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's statements reported by Le Monde, BBC, and Al Jazeera.

Emergency services deployed over 60 personnel and 22 vehicles to the scene, facilitating rescue operations for victims initially trapped within the wreckage. The crash has drawn international attention, with condolences pouring in from various nations, including Spain and France. Notably, some of the victims were identified as foreign nationals, highlighting the global impact of this tragedy, as covered by Al Jazeera and BBC.

As investigations continue into the circumstances that led to the derailment, authorities are emphasizing the necessity to thoroughly assess the maintenance protocols of the funicular system, which transports three million passengers annually. Reports indicated previous complaints regarding maintenance issues on the Gloria line, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.