Rail deaths fell in 2025, but level crossings remain a concern
Portugal recorded 14 deaths in railway accidents in 2025, six fewer than in 2024, while incidents at level crossings increased.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026The national improvement does not remove the need to obey barriers and signals at the specific crossing a traveller uses.
- Fourteen people died in railway accidents in 2025.
- That was six fewer than in 2024 and the second-lowest annual total in a decade.
- The network had 763 level crossings, down from 785 a year earlier.
- Level-crossing accidents increased despite the reduction in crossing numbers.
A better total with a persistent risk
The mobility authority's annual report records fewer deaths overall, but level crossings returned to the top of the occurrence list. The report also identifies 120 precursors: events that could lead to a serious accident even when the worst outcome did not occur.
National totals combine different events and do not make an individual line or crossing safe. Infrastructure condition, road behaviour, trespass and compliance with railway rules all matter.
A closed barrier is never an invitation to improvise
Do not walk or drive around a lowered barrier, enter a crossing after warning lights begin, or assume a second train is not coming. If a vehicle becomes trapped, leave it, move away from the line and contact emergency services.
Report damaged signs, barriers or visibility problems to the infrastructure operator or emergency services as appropriate. Photos can help from a safe position, but nobody should enter the railway corridor to document a fault.
What you can do now.
- 01
Stop whenever the crossing signals require it.
- 02
Keep children and animals away from the railway corridor.
- 03
Report damaged crossing equipment from a safe location.
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