By The Canadian Press

Ottawa man confirmed dead in Lisbon streetcar crash

Sep 9, 2025 | 3:17 PM

OTTAWA — An Ottawa man was among the tourists killed when a streetcar crashed in Lisbon earlier this month.

Aziz Benharref, a Canadian who lived in the Orleans neighbourhood of Ottawa, was on vacation in Portugal with his wife, Hind Iguernane, when the derailment happened. Iguernane is a permanent resident of Canada.

A GoFundMe fundraising page said Iguernane suffered multiple serious injuries. It said money collected by the fundraiser will be used to help cover essential expenses, medical costs and day-to-day needs for Iguernane and her family.

The Canadian government’s statements have led to some confusion.

Global Affairs Canada said last week that it was aware of two Canadian citizens among the 16 people killed in the Lisbon streetcar crash, but did not identify them, citing privacy. Global Affairs Canada did not say there were two permanent residents among the dead and injured.

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A Quebec couple was identified as being among the dead, with Quebec’s Culture Department saying archeologists André Bergeron and Blandine Daux made “remarkable contributions” to the province’s conservation centre.

The French Foreign Ministry said Friday that Daux was a French-Canadian dual citizen, though it has since been confirmed she is a French citizen and a permanent resident of Canada. Bergeron was a Canadian citizen.

Iguernane’s brother, Youness Iguernane, said the family was shocked not to see Benharref included among the Canadian victims.

Global Affairs Canada said consular officials have been providing assistance to the families and have been in contact with local authorities.

Iguernane said his sister is now in a hospital in Lisbon.

“It was a holiday for one week, but no one can imagine what has happened to him,” Iguernane said.

The streetcar, a popular tourist attraction, carries passengers up and down one of the city’s steep hills, past picturesque views.

The distinctive yellow-and-white Elevador da Gloria, which is classified as a national monument, was packed with locals and tourists last week when it came off its rails, leaving 21 people injured.

Portuguese police said last week that five of the victims were from Portugal, three from the United Kingdom, two from Canada, two from South Korea, one from the United States, one from France, one from Switzerland and one from Ukraine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2025.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press