A somber memorial service took place in Lisbon on Thursday, marking one year since a catastrophic funicular derailment claimed the lives of 16 people. The tragedy, which also left 24 individuals injured, remains a significant point of tension as the city’s iconic hillside streetcars continue to face operational uncertainty.
The ceremony was held near the site of the accident, where a 150-year-old olive tree stands at the center of a commemorative installation. The memorial features a ring of limestone blocks engraved with the names of the victims. During the event, wreaths were laid by foreign ambassadors, and a blessing was offered by the Patriarch of Lisbon, a senior figure in the Catholic Church. The disaster, described as one of the most severe in recent memory for the Portuguese capital, has cast a lingering shadow over Lisbon’s tourism sector, which relies on the city's charm and attracts roughly 10 million visitors annually.
Despite the passage of a year, the Gloria funicular remains out of service while an official investigation continues. Two other funiculars in the city are also currently halted for inspections, though standard streetcars continue to operate throughout the city. According to Carris, the company responsible for Lisbon’s road transport, there are plans to launch an international tender in the first quarter of next year to modernize the affected funicular, with a target for service to resume by 2029.
Families of the victims have expressed deep dissatisfaction, citing a "year of silence" from authorities. In a letter obtained by the public broadcaster RTP, the families stated they have been left in the dark, receiving no direct contact or updates from officials regarding the status of the investigation. Meanwhile, the public prosecutor's office has indicated an intention to publish a final report by March, which is expected to address the causes of the crash and determine if any criminal liability exists. A preliminary report released last year identified a failed steel safety cable and general maintenance flaws as contributing factors to the incident, which saw the wooden cabin plummet down the hill before striking a building.
Lisbon attracted about 10 million tourists last year, and they are one of the city’s economic mainstays. Portugal receives around 30 million visitors each year.
