Two South Koreans dead in Lisbon funicular crash

Police officers inspect a site where a tourist funicular derailed and crashed in Lisbon Portugal on Sept 4 2025 AP-Yonhap — Police officers inspect the site where a tourist funicular derailed and crashed in Lisbon, Portugal on Sept. 4, 2025. AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, September 5 (AJP) - Two South Koreans were killed and another seriously injured in a funicular crash in Lisbon on Wednesday (local time), Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday.

The ministry confirmed that a South Korean man and woman died in the crash, while another woman underwent surgery at a local hospital and is still in intensive care.

"Our embassy is working closely with Portuguese authorities to provide consular support, including assistance for the injured and contacting the families of the victims," the ministry said in a statement.

The accident occurred on the Gloria line connecting Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto hilltop, killing 16 people in total. The funicular, which carries more than 3.5 million passengers annually, is one of Lisbon's most popular tourist spots.

Local media in Portugal suggested possible cable damage or brake failure as the cause of the crash, though authorities have not yet given an official explanation. The Portuguese government declared Sept. 4, a day after the incident, a national day of mourning and has begun an investigation.

Kim Hee-su khs@ajupress.com