Members of Montreal’s deaf community are in shock and saddened after two women were struck and killed by a train in Portugal.
Guylaine Boulanger, 62, and Elise Bénard, 66, are hearing impaired and were taking pictures near a river on Saturday near Baqueiros station in Mesao Frio, about 80 kilometres east of Porto.
The Portugal Resident reported that the train conductor blew his horn when he saw the two women on the tracks and applied the brakes, but was unable to stop in time.
The report adds that the two women were with two others, who were not injured, and were taking photos when they were hit.
Tobi-Lynne Payne from Montreal is good friends with Elise Benard and said they loved to travel and are well-known in the deaf community.
“I was crying yesterday,” said Payne. “My friends texted me like all day. I was crying so hard because they’re good friends of mine. It’s like a freak accident. I couldn’t believe it.”
Global Affairs Canada confirmed on Sunday that two Canadians were killed in Portugal, but could not give more information.
“Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are in contact with the families involved to provide consular assistance,” Global Affairs told CTV News. “Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.”
Second tragedy in Portugal
It is the second time this month that Quebecers were killed in Portugal while on vacation.
André Bergeron and his wife, Blandine Daux, a French national who has been a permanent resident of Canada for the past 20 years, were among the 16 people killed in the Lisbon funicular derailment.
The couple were in Lisbon to celebrate Bergeron’s 70th birthday and was on the final day of their vacation when the funicular derailed and crashed.
