Laval City Bus Crashes Into A Daycare — The Latest Developments

Two children are dead after a city bus drove into a day care center in Laval on Wednesday morning.

The incident sent shockwaves through the province and prompted a swift response from police and elected leaders.

Here’s what we know.

The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. A Société de transport de Laval (STL) bus collided with a day care center on the Terrasse Dufferin in the north of the city.

Laval Police Chief Pierre Brochet confirmed at a news conference Wednesday afternoon that two children have died and six others have sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Those six were taken to hospitals in Laval and Montreal.

Brochet also confirmed that the Service de Police de Laval (SPL) arrested the alleged driver of the bus, a 51-year-old STL employee, on charges of murder and dangerous driving. The suspect meets with investigators. The police have not yet determined the motive for the crime, Brochet continued.

The chief said officers and first responders were “in shock”. He and Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer said officers would provide psychological help to those who need it.

Quebec Premier François Legault addressed the public at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday to send his thoughts to the children, parents and daycare workers affected by the incident.

He also announced that three ministers, Public Safety Minister François Bonnardel, Family Minister Suzanne Roy and Laval Region Minister Christopher Skeete, would be on site to coordinate municipal and provincial policing and health efforts.

Bonnardel called the incident in Laval on Wednesday afternoon a “tragedy of infinite sadness”. He added that medical authorities would provide an update on the health of the injured children.

Roy said the kids at the daycare will have spots at other daycares starting Thursday.

This is an evolving story. Check back for more details.

The cover image of this article was used for illustration purposes only.