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Quebec Premier visits Laval daycare where bus attack killed two children

"They’re innocent, they haven’t hurt anyone,” says Gabriel Laflamme, whose son attends the Laval daycare that was hit by a bus Wednesday, leaving two children dead. On Thursday, Premier Legault visited the scene. Alyssia Rubertucci reports.

By The Canadian Press

Quebec Premier François Legault was in Laval on Thursday, visiting the site where a transit driver crashed a bus into a daycare, killing two children and injuring six others.

“It’s tough because we’re talking about children and there is nothing more important than children. For me personally my biggest stress in life is making sure my children are happy. So I think we don’t have to hesitate to get some psychological help. It’s important and it’s necessary for many people,” said Legault.

“I feel the same as every mother, every parent in Quebec. We are parents. How can we feel differently? We want to share their pain,” said Isabelle Brais, the premier’s wife.

“I want to thank the men who were involved, all the people right after it happened. And all I can say is courage. 100 per cent of Quebecers support the  people in Laval.”

Legault was joined by the leaders of Quebec’s opposition parties to offer support to the families and daycare workers affected by Wednesday’s tragedy.

“I want to thank the three opposition leaders for being here to show solidarity. To show that all Quebecers, 8.5 million people, are supporting the people who were involved.”

Speaking to everyone, Legault added, “take the time that is needed. Don’t rush to go back. And of course take care of your children.”

 

“We can’t help but ask why he attacked children, they’re innocent, they haven’t hurt anyone, they’re just starting their lives,” says Gabriel Laflamme, whose three-year-old attends the daycare.

On Wednesday, they arrived just five minutes after the crash.

“Five minutes is nothing,” he said. “He could’ve been part of the tragedy.”

“We’ll never have the answers to the ‘why’s’, we’ll never be able to understand what was in this man’s head.”

Hamdi Ben Chabaane was one of the witnesses who intervened to stop the driver. 

“We feel like we’re in a film, my wife can’t believe what happened, it’s very difficult,” he said.

Many brought flowers to the memorial Thursday, which grew by the hour.

“It’s very sad,” said Mathieu Bouchard. “Now that I have kids I feel what other parents will have to go through, it’s very tough.” 

Laval bus crash daycare Legault Quebec Premier

Premier Legault and wife Isabelle Brais laying flowers at site of Laval daycare bus crash, Feb. 9, 2023. (CREDIT: Alyssia Rubertucci/CityNews)

 

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Scene of Laval daycare bus crash, Feb. 9, 2023 (CREDIT: Alyssia Rubertucci)

Witnesses say the suspect was acting delirious after exiting the bus, tearing off his clothes and screaming as several people restrained him on the ground before police arrived.

Pierre Ny St-Amand, who is 51, was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as seven other charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Health officials said Wednesday they did not fear for the lives of the six injured children, who were hospitalized. Two were released on Thursday.

The bus crash sparked a wave of support from across the country, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying all Canadians are grieving and promising the government will do “whatever we can” to support the families.

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