Urgent Update: Ottawa Man Killed in Lisbon Funicular Crash

UPDATE: A tragic accident in Lisbon has left an Ottawa man, Aziz Benharref, dead following a devastating funicular crash on September 3, 2023. The incident, which also resulted in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to 21 others, is raising urgent questions about the support provided by Canadian officials to the victims’ families.

Benharref, 42, was vacationing in Portugal with his wife, Hind Iguernane, when the funicular they were riding derailed. Speaking from a hospital bed, Iguernane recalled the harrowing moment, stating, “It was very scary. I didn’t see him. I called him; I was calling Aziz and he didn’t answer.” She suffered serious injuries, including a fractured hip and shoulder, and revealed a heartbreaking twist: the couple had switched seats just before the crash.

The couple’s ordeal highlights the emotional turmoil faced by families impacted by the tragedy. “When they took me to the hospital, I kept asking, and for like two nights nobody knew what happened to him,” Iguernane lamented. “They were just telling me, ‘We’re all looking for him.’”

Benharref, a Canadian citizen originally from Morocco, is remembered by friends as “one of the sweetest human beings ever.” His long-time friend, Ayoub Sajjaa, described him as an exemplary person, stating, “He was the best of us, honestly. A very helping member of the community in Orléans.”

Iguernane’s brother, Youness, felt helpless as he searched for answers. He turned to social media for assistance and found strangers willing to help look for his brother-in-law. “I started searching about the groups on Facebook, and thanks God, I found two guys from Algeria and another girl from Morocco,” he shared. These efforts underscore the community’s solidarity in a time of crisis.

The family is voicing frustration over the perceived lack of support from Global Affairs Canada. “We did not get any help from them,” Sajjaa stated. “It was really frustrating because we tried to find solutions on our own.” The family was particularly upset that Benharref’s death went unmentioned in the official announcement regarding two other Canadians who died in the crash.

As the family navigates this tragedy, Iguernane remains in the hospital while plans are made for Benharref’s burial in Morocco. “He was a great husband. He loved Canada,” she said, urging people to pray for him and the other victims.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada confirmed the department is aware of the deaths of two Canadian citizens in the crash, offering condolences to the families affected. “Consular officials are providing assistance to the families and are in contact with local authorities,” the spokesperson stated. Due to privacy considerations, no further information could be disclosed.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community mourns the loss of Benharref and others who perished in this tragic event. The urgency for answers and support for the victims’ families remains high as they seek closure and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.