André Bergeron, Blandine Daux Obituary, Death; Two Quebec residents among 16 killed in Lisbon streetcar crash.
André Bergeron, Blandine Daux Obituary, Death – The Quebec government has confirmed that two of its citizens, both archeologists, were among the 16 victims killed in a tragic streetcar crash in Lisbon on Wednesday. The couple, identified as André Bergeron and Blandine Daux, had long been part of Quebec’s Culture Department, where they specialized in restoring and preserving historical artifacts. Bergeron, a well-known figure in the field, retired from the Centre de conservation du Québec in 2022, while Daux had been with the team since 2001.
Quebec Premier François Legault shared condolences, saying the province had lost two people deeply committed to protecting its archaeological heritage. “My thoughts are with their loved ones,” Legault wrote.
The accident, one of the deadliest in Lisbon in recent years, occurred on the iconic Elevador da Gloria, a historic yellow-and-white funicular that ferries passengers up a steep hill in the Portuguese capital. Packed with tourists and locals alike, the streetcar derailed Wednesday evening, leaving 16 dead and 21 injured. Portugal declared a national day of mourning Thursday to honor the victims.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Global Affairs Canada is assisting the families of the Canadian victims. She expressed condolences not only to those directly affected but also to all touched by the tragedy.
Quebec’s Culture Department praised the careers of Bergeron and Daux, noting Bergeron’s pioneering role and more than 40 years of service in artifact conservation. Daux, who joined the department more than two decades ago, was described as equally dedicated to her work. Colleagues remembered them both as generous professionals, admired for their willingness to share expertise and their collaborative spirit.
Hélène Côté, an archeologist who had worked alongside the pair, said news of their deaths was devastating. Bergeron, she recalled, was widely respected for his conservation skills, while Daux was equally known for her professionalism and warmth. “They were wonderful people to work with, always ready to help,” she said.
Portuguese authorities later released details about the victims’ nationalities. In addition to the two Canadians, the deceased included five Portuguese, three from the United Kingdom, two South Koreans, and one each from the United States, France, Switzerland, and Ukraine. The French Foreign Ministry clarified that Daux held dual citizenship as a French-Canadian.
Investigators with Portugal’s office for air and rail accidents examined the wreckage, though the release of their preliminary report was delayed to Saturday. The historic Elevador da Gloria, which has operated since 1885 and used the same streetcar since 1914, is a well-known tourist attraction. The funicular operates with a cable system in which one descending car helps pull the other upward. Each can carry more than 40 passengers.
The crash has raised questions about safety standards surrounding the century-old equipment. Officials have yet to disclose the exact cause, but the tragedy has left Lisbon and the international community mourning the sudden loss of lives, including two dedicated Canadians whose work helped preserve cultural history.
