Two Canadian women who died after being struck by a train on Saturday morning in Mesão Frio, located in the Vila Real district, have been identified as Guylane Boulanger, 62, and Elise Bénard, 66.
The victims were residents of Montreal and were on vacation in Portugal with a group of people.
Both women, who were hearing impaired, were taking photos when they were hit by a train on the Douro Line.
The deaf community in Montreal is in shock and mourning following the incident.
A friend, Tobi-Lynne Payne, explained that the victims loved to travel and were well-known in Montreal’s deaf community. “I’ve been crying,” she stated. “My friends have been messaging me all day. I cried a lot because they were good friends of mine. It seems like such a bizarre accident. I couldn’t believe it.”
On social media, the Quebec Deaf Sports Association (ASSQ) expressed sadness over the tragic deaths of Élise Bénard and Guylaine Boulanger, highlighting their valuable contributions to various non-profit organizations within the deaf community.
The ASSQ noted, “Always smiling, generous, and committed, they embodied mutual aid and solidarity. In this moment of great sorrow, we pause to think of them and their loved ones. Their contribution and memory will forever remain in our hearts,” the statement read.
The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths but did not provide further details. “Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and the families involved to provide consular assistance,” the Ministry said. “Due to privacy concerns, we cannot disclose further information.”
On Saturday, the National Republican Guard (GNR) stated that the victims were 62 and 66-year-old Canadian women, part of a group of people.
“The victims were taking photographs of the approaching train near a level crossing,” according to the GNR, based on information gathered from people at the scene.
The two Canadian women died on Saturday after being hit by a train at an unguarded crossing near Barqueiros station in Mesão Frio. The victims were 63 and 66 years old.
The accident took place on Travessa da Ribeira da Rede.
A total of 15 personnel supported by eight vehicles attended the scene, according to the website of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
The incident led to the suspension of railway traffic on the Douro Line between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday.
