Tragedy has struck Montreal’s deaf community after two beloved members, Guylaine Boulanger, 62, and Elise Bénard, 66, were struck and killed by a train while vacationing in Portugal.
The two women were near Baqueiros station in Mesao Frio, about 80 kilometres east of Porto, taking photos by the river when the train approached. According to The Portugal Resident, the conductor blew the horn and applied the brakes but could not stop in time. Two other companions escaped injury.
Both Boulanger and Bénard were well known in Montreal’s deaf community and admired for their adventurous spirit. Friend Tobi-Lynne Payne said the news has left her devastated. “I was crying yesterday,” Payne said. “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 the deaths, stating that consular officials are working with local authorities and are in contact with the families to provide assistance, though no further details have been released due to privacy concerns.
This is the second fatal tragedy involving Quebecers in Portugal this month. Earlier, André Bergeron and his wife, Blandine Daux, were among the 16 victims killed in the Lisbon funicular derailment while celebrating Bergeron’s 70th birthday.