‘Shocked’: Family speaks out after Montreal woman struck and killed by train in Portugal

The Quebec family of one of the victims struck and killed by a train in Portugal last weekend is reeling over the news.

Serge Adam, from Joliette, northeast of Montreal, is the cousin of 66-year-old Élise Bénard, who died on Sept. 13 near Mesao Frio, east of Porto, while taking photos near railway tracks.

“It shocked me because she was a woman who was so nice to her friends. There were four who traveled often,” said Adam.

She and Guylaine Boulanger, 62, were both deaf. The two Montrealers were well-known in the community.

“She was a woman who was active, kind, sweet. What made me sad was that there are people who don’t have the same values, but she was a good person,” said Adam, adding he hasn’t slept well since the incident and can’t believe this happened.

Reports say that despite the train conductor’s attempt to warn and brake, the impact was reportedly unavoidable. The family is still awaiting details of what went wrong.

“I don’t know if she had her hearing aids with her or she hadn’t put them on. I have no idea what could have happened, and I can imagine there’s going to be an investigation.”

The two women were traveling with two other friends, who were unharmed. Adam says he followed their journey on social media very closely.

“I think of her two friends who come back alone. That has to be hard for them. It’s very sad,” said Adam.

This incident follows another tragedy involving Quebecers in Portugal. On Sept. 3, a funicular derailment in Lisbon claimed 16 lives, including a Quebec couple and public servants: André Bergeron and his wife Blandine Daux.

For Adam, memories of his funny, jovial, and friendly cousin are all he’s left with.

“I still see her as a little girl, we had parties and I went to spend my summer vacations at their house with my cousin,” said Adam.

“I saw her often through her posts about her travels. For those who are going to come home without Élise and Guylaine, it’s very sad.”