Topline
At least two children died and six were injured and taken to local hospitals when a public bus crashed into a daycare center outside Montreal on Wednesday, an act that local officials believe could have been committed intentionally.
At least two children were killed Wednesday when a bus rammed into a day care center in a suburb of … [+]
Key Facts
Police in the town of Laval, Quebec, north of Montreal, said they arrested a 51-year-old bus driver on homicide and careless driving charges.
In a statement on Wednesday, Laval Mayor Stephane Boyer said officials believe the crash could have been “an intentional act,” although the motive is still under investigation.
One person at the scene said the driver appeared to start yelling and remove his clothes after exiting the bus, the Associated Press reported, while parents told the CBC the the building is “completely destroyed” and the roof is being supported by the bus itself.
Officials believe the suspect was an employee with the city’s transportation agency, the Societe de transport de Laval.
Six children were transported to hospitals in Laval and Montreal, while one adult was taken to a hospital for “nervous shock,” according to local police spokesperson Erika Landry.
This is a developing story.
Crucial Quote
In a statement on Twitter, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences for the families of the victims, saying, “no words can take away the pain and fear that parents, children and workers are feeling,” while Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel called the crash a “terrible tragedy.”
Further Reading
2 children died, six others injured after bus crashes into daycare near Montreal (CNN)
Two children dead after bus crashes into Quebec daycare centre (BBC)
2 children dead, 6 injured after city bus slams into Quebec day care (ABC News)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/02/08/2-children-dead-in-bus-crash-at-quebec-daycare-center/