Wednesday morning, a bus from the Société de transport de Laval crashed head-on into a daycare center in the Sainte-Rose district. The driver is now charged with first degree murder, attempted murder and assault.
An unnamed tragedy. Two children died and six others were injured. Parents and teachers are shocked. Emergency crews are upset.
Prime Ministers François Legault and Justin Trudeau, Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer and the entire political class were badly shaken.
Disturbing Violence
When children are victims of violence, time stands still. The message disappears. People hold their breath. Point.
Because witnesses said the defendant was disorganized and screaming, the first widespread reaction was to think of a possible mental health problem.
Speaking of the damaging mental health impact of the pandemic and an apparent increase in hardship in our societies, the mayor of Laval was also openly concerned in the face of such a tragedy. Which is understandable.
However, it is important to say that only the survey will shed light and that the violence is much more likely to be unrelated to mental health problems.
human solidarity
But even beyond this tragedy, mental health services and care are dangerously lacking in our affluent societies. Many pointed this out and worried about it all day.
For now, however, all our thoughts are with the families, including the parents who have lost the child they hold dear.
Our hearts also go to the daycare staff and to all those affected by this terrible tragedy. They will all need a lot of psychological support and human solidarity.
