Two Canadians are among at least 16 people dead after a popular Wednesday, the Canadian government confirmed in a statement.
“Global Affairs Canada is aware of the death of two Canadian citizens in the Lisbon streetcar crash. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones as well as to all of those affected,” a spokesperson at Global Affairs Canada said in response to a query from Global News.
Canadian consular officials in Portugal are providing consular assistance to the families and are in contact with local authorities, the spokesperson said.
GAC could not disclose any other details due to privacy concerns.
The two Canadians who died in the incident are Blandine Daux and André Bergeron, the Quebec Ministry of Culture said in a statement.
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“It is with great sadness that the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications announces the death of two esteemed members of its community, Blandine Daux and André Bergeron, during the derailment of the funicular in Lisbon, Portugal, on September 3,” the ministry said in a statement posted to social media.
The ministry commended both for “remarkable contributions to the archaeology-ethnology workshop of the Centre de conservation du Québec.”
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“André Bergeron, one of the pioneers of the CCQ, devoted more than 40 years to restoration before retiring in 2022. Blandine Daux joined the team in 2001,” the statement said.
“Their departure leaves a huge void within the CCQ and the Ministry of Culture and Communications. All our thoughts are with their loved ones as well as those who had the privilege of working with them,” it added.
The French Foreign Ministry said Friday that a woman who was a French-Canadian dual citizen is among the dead.
“France was extremely sad to learn of the death of a female Franco-Canadian national in the Glória funicular accident that occurred in Lisbon on 3 September. It extends its condolences to our compatriot’s family and close friends,” the French government said in a post on social media early on Friday.
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2 Canadians could be among Lisbon funicular crash: Portuguese police
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Five Portuguese nationals, three British citizens, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss and one Ukrainian were also among the dead, police in Portugal said in a press conference on Thursday.
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On Wednesday, Global Affairs Canada had told Global News that two Canadians were missing after the incident. Global Affairs Canada has not said whether their officials have been notified of the deaths of Canadians, but Global News has requested confirmation.
The Portuguese government’s Office for Air and Rail Accident Investigations said that it has concluded its analysis of the wreckage and would issue a preliminary technical report Friday. It wasn’t clear how revealing the report would be.
The distinctive yellow-and-white Elevador da Gloria, which is classified as a national monument, was packed with locals and tourists Wednesday evening when it came off its rails. Sixteen people were killed and 21 others were injured.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement earlier this week that his thoughts are with those impacted.
“My thoughts are with the people of Lisbon following last night’s tragic accident. Canadians are wishing comfort and support to those grieving loved ones, and a swift recovery to everyone who was injured,” Carney said Thursday.
Portugal observed a national day of mourning Thursday after the capital’s worst disaster in recent history.
The streetcar, a popular tourist attraction, carries passengers up and down one of the city’s steep hills, past picturesque views.
— With files from Canadian Press and The Associated Press
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