A little town in Quebec, Canada, has been left in grief after the tragic deaths of two young kids. According to accounts, on Wednesday morning, a municipal bus driver reportedly “rammed” his vehicle into the front door of a nearby daycare. As authorities seek to uncover what occurred and why, the driver is now facing various counts.
The accident occurred in Laval, just north of Montreal. Around 8:30 a.m., a city bus from the Société de Transport de Laval (STL) approached the Garderie Éducative de Sainte-Rose, which is located in a peaceful cul-de-sac.
As shocked witnesses rushed in to aid, numerous youngsters were either hit by the bus or stuck below it.
The bus driver reportedly fled the vehicle seconds after the incident, but rather than assist the victims, witnesses claim the driver started removing his clothing and behaving strangely.
It was a nightmare, Hamdi Ben Chaabane described it. It’s dreadful. He never stopped shouting. He wasn’t saying words.
A group of parents and other bystanders eventually subdued the driver, who was subsequently recognized as 51-year-old Pierre Ny St-Amand. Many others also hurried to the aid of the young victims, some of whom were still trapped under the vehicle.
The incident injured eight youngsters in all. They have six children who have been evacuated to various hospitals in Montreal and Laval, however, regrettably, two additional children have perished as a consequence of the tragedy, said Erika Landry, a Laval police spokesperson.
The victims were all preschoolers.
St-Amand was apprehended by cops when they arrived. The driver has worked for the local transportation system for more than ten years. He is now accused of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm.
St-Amand subsequently appeared in court for a short hearing while resting in a hospital bed in Montreal. Despite his refusal to communicate, the guy was ordered by a court to undergo a comprehensive mental assessment.
The community has now gathered to grieve the young victims.
Dozens of Laval locals have visited the accident scene since Wednesday, offering flowers, teddy bears, and even notes.
A crisis center has also been established to assist parents and family members touched by the tragedy.
Several displays of unity were seen around Canada. Flags were lowered to half-staff, lights were turned out, and even the House of Commons observed a minute of mourning for the innocent victims.
Quebec Families Minister Suzanne Roy told reporters on Wednesday that one believe ones children are in excellent hands when one leave them at daycare for the day. When something like that happens, it shocks and shatters all.
