The government has stated that it is "not aware" of any Irish citizens being involved in the Lisbon funicular train disaster.
On Wednesday, a funicular train derailed in Lisbon, killing at least 15 people in one of the Portuguese capital’s most popular tourist areas.
The incident occurred at around 6:05 pm when the Gloria funicular, a 140-year-old tourist attraction linking central Lisbon to the Bairro Alto district, came off the tracks and crashed into a building.
Another 18 people were taken to hospital, five of them in serious condition, according to emergency services.
Foreign nationals were among the victims, though their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
However, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that it is "not aware" of any Irish citizens affected by the tragedy.
A statement added: "The Embassy of Ireland, Lisbon, is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to provide consular assistance."
Authorities confirmed that investigations are underway by the company that operates the funicular, the national transport safety authority, and the criminal police.
Tánaiste Simon Harris released a statement regarding the disaster.
It read: "I am deeply saddened by reports of a tragic incident in Lisbon today. This is a terrible day for the city and my thoughts, and those of people across Ireland, are with the families of people who have lost their lives.
"Ireland’s embassy in Lisbon stands ready to provide assistance."
I am deeply saddened by reports of a tragic incident in Lisbon today.
This is a terrible day for the city and my thoughts, and those of people across Ireland, are with the families of people who have lost their lives.🇮🇪 ’s embassy in Lisbon stands ready to provide assistance. pic.twitter.com/piaPttMrQ8
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) September 3, 2025
Lisbon’s public transport operator Carris said the funicular had undergone all scheduled maintenance, including major four-yearly and interim checks, as well as daily and weekly inspections.
Witnesses, however, reported that the braking system appeared to fail.
One bystander told local newspaper, Observador, that the carriage was "out of control, without brakes."
Another told SIC television the vehicle hit a building "with brutal force and collapsed like a cardboard box."
Footage shared on social media showed the yellow carriage overturned, heavily damaged, and surrounded by debris, with smoke rising as people fled the scene. Several passengers had to be freed from the wreckage.
One of Lisbon's most iconic tourist attractions, the Glória funicular, derailed and crashed on Wednesday evening. At least 17 people were killed and more than 20 have been injured.
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The Portuguese federal government stated: "A tragic accident … caused the irreparable loss of human life, which left in mourning their families and dismayed the whole country."
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his "sympathy and solidarity with the families affected by this tragedy."
Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, visited survivors in hospital on Wednesday night, adding: "This is a tragic moment for the city. A tragedy that our city has never seen."
Lisboa está de luto. Este é um momento trágico para a cidade.
— Carlos Moedas (@Moedas) September 3, 2025
As equipas da CML – Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros, Proteção Civil e Polícia Municipal – bem como os Bombeiros Voluntários, a PSP e o INEM, estão no local a prestar socorro. As vítimas foram encaminhadas para o…
The accident took place near Avenida da Liberdade, one of Lisbon’s main avenues.
Authorities say it remains too early to determine the exact cause of the derailment.
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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