A five-year-old boy and his grandfather were hit by a car while trying to catch the boy’s school bus on 81st Avenue in Pointe-aux-Trembles. The incident occurred as they tried to cross the street, not at an intersection, causing the car to hit them. The boy and his grandfather sustained several injuries, but the boy is out of danger. The driver, a 34-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital for nervous shock. Witnesses reported that two children were in the car at the time of the collision. Police are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, while neighbours noted that speeding is a common issue on the residential road.
This incident is the third time a child has been hit by a vehicle in Montreal in less than a week. Previously, a six-year-old was hit by a small school bus in Ahunstic-Cartierville, and a three-year-old was hit by an SUV in downtown Montreal while on the way to daycare. Authorities are calling on the public to be more vigilant, emphasizing the importance of road safety for all users. The police spokesperson and the road safety director at CAA-Quebec urged everyone, including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, to pay more attention and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents. They highlighted the impact of speeding, stress, and distractions on road safety and stressed the need for everyone to do their part to avoid accidents.
Neighbours in the area mentioned that speeding is a prevalent issue on the residential road where the incident occurred. They noted that the standard speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour is often exceeded, with drivers going up to 50 or 60 kilometers per hour during the day. This highlights a broader concern about the enforcement of speed limits and road safety measures in residential areas. The community is disturbed by the recurring accidents involving children and vehicles, prompting a call for increased awareness and adherence to traffic rules to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
The boy and his grandfather were waiting for the school bus on the wrong side of the street, according to neighbours who witnessed the incident. As the bus approached, they attempted to cross the street, leading to the collision with the car. The impact was heard by a neighbour, who promptly called 911 upon seeing the injured boy and his grandfather. The driver of the car, a 34-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital for nervous shock following the incident. While the boy sustained several injuries, medical authorities confirmed that his life was not in danger, providing some relief amidst the traumatic event.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to understand the circumstances of the incident and determine any contributing factors that led to the collision. With witnesses reporting that two children were in the car during the collision, there is a focus on ensuring the safety of all road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians, such as children. The recent string of accidents involving children and vehicles in Montreal has raised concerns about road safety and the need for increased vigilance among all users. By emphasizing the importance of adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and being attentive while on the road, authorities hope to prevent similar incidents and protect the community from further tragedies.
