(Laval) Two children who were injured in the sinister accident at a daycare center in Laval have been discharged from CHU Sainte-Justine, the hospital confirmed early Thursday morning.
Six toddlers were injured Wednesday morning when a bus hit a daycare center in the Sainte-Rose district. The six children were injured, but out of danger, it was said.
Two other children, however, succumbed to their injuries in the tragedy.
In addition, the police investigation ended Wednesday evening at the scene of the tragedy and the bus was removed from the scene, confirmed the spokesperson for the Laval police department, Erika Landry.
However, a command post was set up Thursday morning to offer support to the Laval population.
“These are social emergency responders and our prevention squad who are present for citizens who feel the need,” said Ms.me Landry.
Pierre Ny St-Amand, 51, was arrested at the scene on Wednesday and faces two counts of premeditated murder as well as seven other counts including attempted murder and aggravated assault .
He is due back in court on February 17.
We do not yet know the motivations that could have pushed him to make such a gesture, said Ms.me Landry. But the Minister Delegate responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, revealed Thursday morning that after verification at the CISSS de Laval, the accused did not have a history of mental health problems or did not appear on a list of waiting for help.
“So the attitude I had yesterday, of caution, I think we have to talk about it again,” he said in a press scrum at the National Assembly.
Prime Minister’s visit
The Premier of Quebec, François Legault, is due to visit the Sainte-Rose district at the end of the morning. In particular, he will be accompanied by the leaders of the opposition parties to offer support to families and daycare educators affected by the tragedy.
A press briefing is scheduled around noon.
The minister responsible for the Laval region, Christopher Skeete, the mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer and the director of the Service de police de Laval (SPL), Pierre Brochet, will also be present.
Citizens of the Saint-Rose district gathered on the forecourt of the Sainte-Rose-de-Lima church on Wednesday evening, located a little further, to light candles and place flowers and stuffed animals, then trying to find some comfort in the face of this tragedy.
The flag of the Hôtel de Ville de Laval was at half-mast, in homage to the little victims and the flag of Quebec on the central tower of the National Assembly will be at half-mast all day Thursday, in memory of the young victims as well.
The disaster has sparked an outpouring of support across the country, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying all Canadians are in mourning and promising the government will do everything it can to support families.