Memorial opened on one year anniversary of Glória disaster, families await answers

On the first anniversary of the Glória funicular accident, in which 16 people lost their lives in Lisbon on September 3, 2025, a monument was opened for the victims in Largo da Oliveirinha. In their open letters, victims and their relatives demanded regular communication, support and clarity regarding responsibility.

Memorial in Largo da Oliveirinha for the victims of Glória

On the first anniversary of the Glória funicular disaster, the Municipality of Lisbon opened a monument to the victims in Largo da Oliveirinha, near Calçada da Glória, where the accident occurred.

According to the design announced by the municipality, there is an approximately 150-year-old olive tree in the center of the monument. 16 limestone blocks of different heights were placed around the tree, representing the 16 people who lost their lives in the accident. The municipality reported that the surfaces of the blocks were prepared to engrave the names of the victims.

16 people died and 24 people were injured when the Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building in Calçada da Glória on September 3, 2025. The investigation into the accident continues a year later.

Demand from families for "communication, transparency and responsibility"

In an open letter in English delivered to RTP before the opening of the monument, some victims and their family members claimed that they had not received sufficient information and support from the authorities in the last 12 months.

Those who signed the letter stated that the investigation is continuing and that they do not want a hasty judgment regarding the results. On the other hand, regular communication should be established; answering questions regarding maintenance and inspection processes; He requested that more clear information be shared about available supports, financial aid and insurance procedures.

According to families, the invitation from the Lisbon Municipality to open the monument was the only direct contact for some people in the past year. This statement is a claim contained in the families' open letter; An independent and detailed breakdown of the scope of the municipality's communication with all families has not been made available to the public.

According to RTP, families also stated that in some cases they had to hire lawyers to access the necessary documents and information.

Lisbon Municipality announced measures for psychological support and the creation of a municipal support fund for the victims and their relatives after the accident. The official municipal document emphasizes that the cause of the accident should be determined pending the final results of the prosecutor's office, judicial police, GPIAAF and other investigation processes.

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The Glória disaster left a heavy mark on Lisbon's memory; The memorial creates a public memorial space for the 16 people missing. However, the communication and information requests in the families' open letter show that the mourning process cannot be limited to just a ceremony. The results of the investigation and the explanations awaited by the families should be followed closely after this commemoration.

RTP: Demand for communication, transparency, support and accountability from victims and families

Diário de Notícias / Lusa: Composition and opening information of the monument

Lisbon Municipality: Proposal No. 582/2025 on measures to be taken after the accident