Two teenagers were among the victims of a tragic single-vehicle crash in Fredericton, which claimed the lives of three people and left two others injured. The victims included a 17-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and a 22-year-old man. A 16-year-old boy was critically injured and airlifted to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, while a 14-year-old girl was treated for injuries. Police Chief Martin Gaudet described the incident as a tragedy for the community and a difficult call for first responders to attend. Out of respect for the families, the names of the deceased are not being released, and the relationships between the individuals in the car are also being kept private.
Speed was identified as the main factor behind the crash, which occurred when officers attempted to stop a vehicle approaching a patrol car at a high speed. The vehicle failed to stop, leading officers to lose sight of it before it crashed in a suburban area on Douglas Avenue in Fredericton. The vehicle hit a curb, became airborne, and collided with another parked vehicle occupied by four men who escaped serious injury. The Fredericton Police Force is investigating the incident and working to determine who was driving at the time, as part of a criminal investigation.
The tragic incident impacted Leo Hayes High School and other Fredericton-area schools, prompting the Anglophone West School District superintendent to deploy a crisis events response team at Leo Hayes High School. Staff, students, and families are receiving support following the accident, and additional resources will be available for as long as needed. Local resident Nellie St-Germain, who witnessed the crash, expressed shock and concern for the victims’ families. She emphasized the need for stricter traffic measures and increased police presence to address the issue of speeding in the area.
St-Germain called on individuals, especially young people, to realize the dangers of speeding and understand that such accidents can happen to anyone. She urged the community to take this tragic event as a lesson and a reminder of the consequences of reckless driving. Police Chief Gaudet acknowledged receiving complaints about speeding cars not only in the Douglas Avenue area but throughout the city. While acknowledging that the road is well-built, he suggested that police may increase their presence and enforcement efforts to address the issue of speeding in the area and prevent future accidents.
The community in Fredericton is mourning the loss of the victims and coming together to support one another during this difficult time. The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving behaviors. The ongoing investigation into the crash will hopefully provide answers and closure to the victims’ families and help prevent similar incidents in the future. The impact of the incident on the school community highlights the need for continued support and resources to help students, families, and staff cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
