ORLÉANS, Canada — A Canadian tourist is dead and his wife critically injured after a funicular derailment in Lisbon, Portugal, earlier this month. Aziz Benharref, 42, from Orléans, was on vacation with his wife, Hind Iguernane, when the accident occurred on Sept. 3. Sixteen people were killed and 21 others injured in the crash.
Family Describes Terrifying Incident
Iguernane, hospitalized with a fractured hip and shoulder, recalled the chaos: “Very, very fast, like going on the highway…everyone was screaming. I called Aziz, but he didn’t answer.” The couple had switched seats just before boarding, with Benharref taking a position that would tragically cost him his life.
Family Questions Government Response
Benharref’s family criticized Canadian officials for not immediately confirming his death. Youness Iguernane, his brother-in-law, turned to social media to find help in Lisbon. “We tried reaching out to anyone in Portugal we could find…we did it ourselves because we got no help,” he said.
Friends described Benharref as “one of the sweetest human beings ever,” highlighting his generosity and contributions to the Orléans community. Ayoub Sajjaa, a friend from university, said, “He was an exemplary person, always helping others. It’s shocking for all of us.”
Tragic Global Incident
The funicular, a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon, was packed with locals and tourists when it derailed. Portuguese authorities reported victims from multiple countries, including Canada, Portugal, the U.K., South Korea, the U.S., France, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
Wife in Hospital, Funeral Planned in Morocco
Iguernane remains hospitalized, while Benharref is set to be buried in Morocco. A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the family’s medical and living expenses.
Canadian Government Statement
Global Affairs Canada confirmed awareness of the deaths, extending “deepest condolences” to the families and stating that consular officials are assisting and in contact with local authorities.
