Lisbon’s iconic Glória funicular, a beloved symbol of the city’s hilly charm and a staple for tourists and locals alike, became the site of a devastating tragedy on the evening of September 3, 2025. At around 18:15 local time, the 140-year-old carriage derailed near the bustling Avenida da Liberdade boulevard, careening off its steep tracks and crashing violently into a nearby building. The catastrophe left 16 people dead and 21 injured, including five who suffered serious injuries, according to reports from BBC and ITV News.
Among those who lost their lives were Kayleigh Smith, 36, a theatre director, and her partner Will Nelson, 44, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre. The couple, both deeply involved in the North West England theatre community, were on what friends described as their dream holiday in Lisbon. A third British victim, an 82-year-old man, was also killed, though his name has not been released. The victims hailed from across the globe, including Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, Ukraine, France, and the United States, underscoring the funicular’s international appeal and the far-reaching impact of the tragedy (BBC).
Kayleigh Smith’s family, in a statement released by Cheshire Police and reported by ITV News, remembered her as a woman whose “kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative.” They added, “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour. She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a Master’s Degree. They both leave family and friends heartbroken.” Smith, who had only recently celebrated her academic achievement, was known for her creativity and warmth, qualities that shone through in both her professional and personal life.
Will Nelson’s younger brother, in a poignant tribute, spoke of the profound loss felt by family and friends: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt. This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s. He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him. He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always. Love you, rest in peace you legend.” (Metro, BBC, ITV News).
The couple had been together for about six years, sharing a passion for theatre and education. Smith, an award-winning director and actress, was a valued member of MADS Theatre in Macclesfield, where she contributed both on and off stage. MADS Theatre, in a statement cited by ITV News, expressed their sorrow: “Kayleigh was a valued member of our society and made considerable contributions both to MADS and to drama in the North West. It is indeed a sad loss to all of us at the theatre. Kayleigh was an award-winning director and an award-nominated actress. She also undertook multiple crew and front-of-house roles at MADS. She was a past vice-chair, membership secretary and head of tech, but above all that, she was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed.”
Will Nelson, as a lecturer at the Arden School of Theatre, was remembered for his dedication to nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation of performers. Macclesfield MP Tim Roca, speaking to The Independent, said, “Will, a lecturer at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre, was equally dedicated to nurturing creativity and inspiring the next generation. I know his loss will be felt deeply by colleagues and students alike.”
Hours before the disaster, Smith had shared snapshots of their Lisbon adventure on Instagram, captioning them: “Churches and castles, tiles and trams.” The images showed the couple smiling and exploring the city’s picturesque streets, capturing moments of happiness that would soon be shattered by the tragedy (Metro, ITV News).
The crash also claimed the lives of Blandine Daux and André Bergeron, a Canadian couple from Quebec who were in Portugal to celebrate André’s 70th birthday and his retirement, as reported by the Portuguese daily Correio da Manhã. Their story, like so many others, was one of celebration turned to heartbreak in an instant.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the accident “one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history” and declared a national day of mourning. The sense of loss was echoed by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who said he was “deeply saddened” to hear that three Britons had died. “His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office said (BBC, ITV News).
Emergency services responded swiftly, with more than 60 rescue personnel racing to the scene to pull survivors from the wreckage. Images and videos from the aftermath, shared widely on social media and news outlets, showed the funicular’s iconic yellow carriage overturned and crumpled on the cobblestone street, a jarring contrast to the usual cheerful scenes of tourists snapping photos and locals commuting up the steep incline.
The Glória funicular, opened in 1885 and electrified about 30 years later, is one of four such railways in Lisbon. It connects Restauradores Square in central Lisbon to the Bairro Alto district, with journeys typically taking just three minutes using steel cables. The funicular is not only a practical solution to the city’s steep topography but also a cherished piece of Lisbon’s heritage, drawing thousands of visitors every year (BBC, The Independent).
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Public transport operator Carris announced that all funiculars in the city would undergo inspection and that an independent investigation had been launched. According to Carris, “all maintenance protocols” had been followed, with general maintenance performed every four years—the last occurring in 2022. “Everything was scrupulously respected,” insisted company head Pedro Bogas, noting that maintenance had been carried out by a contractor for the past 14 years (BBC).
In the days since the accident, tributes have poured in from theatre communities, government officials, and families around the world. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is supporting the families of the three British nationals who died and remains in contact with Portuguese authorities (ITV News).
The Glória funicular tragedy has left an indelible mark on Lisbon and the many families who lost loved ones. As investigations continue and the city mourns, the memories of Kayleigh Smith, Will Nelson, and the other victims serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of community, art, and family.