According to information, two women in Montreal who were well known in the deaf community of the city died in Portugal after being hit by a train.
The killed women were identified online by family members such as Guylaine Boulanger, 62, and Elise Bénard, 66 years old.
Serge Adam, who identifies himself like Bénard’s cousin, said he was amazed by his death.
Evian Briere, member of the baker’s family, published a video on Facebook which included a legend asking for the privacy of his family.
“This is a very difficult period for us and we hope to protect our privacy. Right now, we need space to feel our sorrow as a family, ”says legend.
“Thank you for your understanding, your discretion and all the love you have for Elise and Gallin.”
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Global Affairs of Canada responded to a global news survey saying that they were aware of the deaths of two Canadian citizens in Mesão Frio, Portugal, but did not confirm the names of women or the date on which the incident occurred, citing “confidentiality considerations”.
“We express our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones as well as to all those affected,” a spokesman for World Affairs Canada said in a statement.
“Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are in contact with families involved to provide consular assistance.”
Jean Davia, coordinator of the Association of People living with deafness (APVSL), told Global News that they knew baker of his involvement with APVSL. The organization brings together deaf and hard of hearing people in the Laval region, Quebec, through various social and informational activities.
According to the resident of Portugal, Boulanger and Bénard had taken photos and selfies near the Douro river on Saturday.
The couple were with two other people, who were not injured in the incident.
The media said at one point, the two women had walked to a level crossing where they were affected.
The train leader would have blowed up his horn when he saw the two women on the tracks and applied his brakes, but the locomotive did not stop in time.
The death of Boulanger and Benard is the third and fourth this month during which a pair of Quebec died in Portugal.
Earlier this month, Global Affairs Canada confirmed that a Quebec couple was part of at least 16 people who died when a popular tramway in Lisbon derailed on September 3.
The Quebec Ministry of Culture said in a statement that Blandine Daux and Andre Bergeron died during the funicular derail.
– Global News’ Mike Armstrong files
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