In the heart of Lisbon, where cobblestone streets and historic charm draw millions of tourists each year, a catastrophic event has left the city in mourning. On the evening of September 3, 2025, the iconic Ascensor da Glória, a beloved 19th-century funicular connecting the vibrant Bairro Alto district with Restauradores Square, derailed in a horrifying accident that claimed at least 15 lives and injured nearly two dozen others. The tragedy, one of the deadliest in Lisbon’s recent history, has sparked grief, outrage, and an unsettling mystery, as the sole eyewitness stable enough to recount the event has revealed a chilling detail: moments before the crash, a glowing object illuminated the night sky, followed by a devastating impact that reduced the funicular car to wreckage.

The Ascensor da Glória, a national monument and a staple of Lisbon’s tourism, is no ordinary transport. For over a century, its yellow-and-white cars have shuttled locals and visitors up and down the steep incline between the bohemian Bairro Alto and the bustling downtown square. With a capacity of 43 passengers per car, the funicular is a symbol of the city’s blend of tradition and modernity, offering picturesque views of Lisbon’s seven hills. On that fateful evening, at approximately 6:05 PM during the start of the evening rush hour, one of the cars began its descent from Bairro Alto. What should have been a routine journey turned into a nightmare as the car derailed, careening uncontrollably downhill before slamming into a building with devastating force.

The aftermath was a scene of chaos and heartbreak. The wreckage of the funicular car lay crumpled in a narrow street, its vibrant exterior mangled beyond recognition. Emergency responders worked tirelessly, extracting victims from the debris in just over two hours. Among the 15 confirmed fatalities were both locals and foreign tourists, a testament to the funicular’s popularity among visitors flocking to Lisbon during the peak summer season. At least 18 others were injured, with five in critical condition, including a child. The Portuguese government declared a national day of mourning, and investigators from the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail, alongside Lisbon’s public transport operator Carris, launched an urgent probe to determine the cause.

Amid the grief, one survivor’s account has added an eerie layer of intrigue to the tragedy. Maria Santos, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the disaster from her storefront near Restauradores Square, has finally stabilized after days of psychological distress. Her testimony, shared with authorities, paints a surreal picture of the moments leading up to the crash. According to Maria, she was closing her shop when she noticed an unusual object descending from the sky. “It wasn’t a plane, nor a bird, nor anything I could recognize,” she recounted. “It glowed with a blinding light, so intense it hurt my eyes. Then came a deafening crash, and everything fell apart.” Her description of the glowing object has ignited speculation, with some wondering if it could be linked to the funicular’s sudden derailment.

The Ascensor da Glória operates as a pair of cars connected by a cable, moving in tandem—one ascending while the other descends. Initial reports suggest the derailed car was at the top of the hill when it lost control, hurtling downward at a speed far exceeding its normal pace. The second car, stationed at the bottom, reportedly jolted violently as the other crashed, prompting terrified passengers to leap from its windows. Eyewitnesses on the ground described the derailed car smashing into the building “like a cardboard box,” its structure crumpling under the immense force. The building itself, a historic structure in Lisbon’s downtown, sustained significant damage, further compounding the tragedy’s toll.

Investigators are exploring multiple theories to explain the derailment. Mechanical failure is a leading hypothesis, given the funicular’s age and the intense demands of its steep route. The Ascensor da Glória, while meticulously maintained, relies on a complex system of cables and pulleys that could be susceptible to wear. Another possibility is human error, though the operator’s experience and training make this less likely. Environmental factors, such as recent weather conditions, have also been considered, but Lisbon’s mild September climate offers little evidence to support this theory. The glowing object described by Maria introduces a wildcard—could an external factor, such as debris or an unidentified object striking the tracks, have triggered the catastrophe?

The mention of a glowing object has fueled rampant speculation online. Some have suggested it could be a meteorite or space debris, given occasional reports of such phenomena in Europe’s skies. Others have ventured into more fantastical territory, proposing drones, experimental technology, or even supernatural forces. While these theories lack substantiation, they’ve captivated public imagination, turning the tragedy into a focal point for both mourning and mystery. Scientists and authorities have urged caution, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that Maria’s account, while compelling, may reflect the disorientation of witnessing such a traumatic event.

Lisbon, a city that thrives on its vibrant tourism industry, now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust in one of its most cherished attractions. The Ascensor da Glória has long been a must-see for visitors, its short but scenic ride offering a glimpse into the city’s soul. The crash has prompted calls for stricter safety regulations and inspections for Portugal’s funiculars, which also include routes in Nazaré and Braga. Local officials have vowed to restore the service only after a thorough review, but for now, the tracks remain silent, a stark reminder of the lives lost.

For Maria Santos, the memory of that glowing object and the deafening crash will linger. Her account has given investigators a new avenue to explore, even as it raises more questions than answers. Was the glowing object a mere optical illusion, a trick of the evening light, or something more significant? Could it hold the key to understanding why the funicular derailed with such devastating consequences? As Lisbon mourns, the world watches, waiting for answers to a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the city’s history.

The investigation continues, with experts combing through the wreckage and analyzing data from the funicular’s systems. The Portuguese government has promised transparency, ensuring that the families of the victims—both local and international—receive closure. For now, the Ascensor da Glória stands as a somber symbol of a city in grief, its future uncertain and its past forever altered by a moment of inexplicable horror.