“This loss touched everyone, and we stand with victims from both our countries,” stated Canadian Ambassador Elise Racicot to reporters moments after placing a bouquet of white flowers at the makeshift memorial in Lisbon’s Praça dos Restauradores.
Among the victims of the accident are two deceased Canadians and one injured.
“It was very important for us to pay tribute to all the victims of this tragedy,” said French Ambassador Helene Farnaud Defromont, who placed a wreath in her country’s colors next to the protection barriers of the elevator.
Among the deceased was a French citizen, with another injured person of the same nationality.
The Canadian diplomat described this as a “tough moment,” emphasizing the need to “try to look ahead.”
Regarding the efforts of Portuguese authorities, Elise Racicot highlighted the “very good cooperation”: “People were very kind and professional” throughout the process.
It is now time for the families to take their relatives’ bodies home to have “a moment of mourning, which is important,” she explained.
After the “pain of losing someone close, regardless of the circumstance,” it is necessary “to make peace and provide a resting place for them,” added the Canadian ambassador.
The Glória Elevator in Lisbon derailed on Wednesday, resulting in 16 fatalities and dozens injured, including Portuguese and foreigners of various nationalities.
The Glória Elevator, operated by Carris, connects Restauradores to Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto, spanning approximately 265 meters, and is a popular attraction for tourists.
