Drivers and front-line workers at several transport companies will cease operations for a minute at 8:24 a.m. Wednesday, just as a bus driver drove into a daycare center in the Sainte-Rose neighborhood, killing two children and injuring six others.
Posted at 5:57pm
“The entire extended STL family is deeply saddened by these events and this minute’s silence is a way for our employees to rally and express their solidarity with those affected by this tragedy,” STL executive director Josée Roy said on Tuesday a press release.
Drivers of the STL, but also of the STM, exo, RTL and some other transport companies can therefore observe a minute’s silence on Wednesday if their situation allows them to bring their bus to a safe stop, for example at the next stop. In the Montreal metro, “a solid message of sympathy will also be heard online,” STM said on Tuesday. The industry thanks customers in advance “for their understanding in these extraordinary circumstances”.
The STL also reminded on Tuesday that the investigation into this tragedy, which is still active, is ongoing, but “that it will not grant an interview on this subject, so as not to interfere with the work of the police”.
The Laval Police Service (SPL) states that the accused Pierre-Ny St-Amand is now under the responsibility of correctional officers and the Director of Prosecution and Prosecution (DPCP). However, further information could be released to the public as and when the investigation progresses.
funeral on Thursday
The names of the two young victims have been known for a few days. Jacob Gauthier, 4, was first identified in an obituary published online. Officials at the Sainte-Rose-de-Lima Church confirmed that his funeral was scheduled for around 11 a.m. this Thursday. Rev. Michel Bouchard will preside over the funeral, having baptized Jacob about three years ago, he said.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY
Jacob Gauthier was four years old.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY
Maeva David was five years old.
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The parents of the second victim, five-year-old Maëva David, also confirmed on Monday that a ceremony in her honor will be held soon. In a letter to the media, Jessica Therrien and Nicolas David said they felt “deep pain and affection” for all those affected, directly or indirectly, by the tragedy.
“She will continue to shine in her own way through what she has taught us day by day, through the indelible memories she leaves us as well as through the lessons she has learned from the unspeakable event that her little heart became has brought to a standstill … but that won’t stop him from staying our little shooting star forever,” wrote the two parents in particular, not without emotion.