Tragic Incident

In a tragic incident that shocked the Mile End community, an 11-year-old boy lost his life after being struck by a truck at the intersection of Parc and Bernard Avenues on Monday evening around 7:30 p.m. Witnesses reported that the boy was crossing the street when the truck, traveling south on Parc Ave., turned right onto Bernard and hit him. The young boy was trapped beneath the vehicle and sustained critical injuries, ultimately being pronounced dead at a local hospital around 10 p.m.

Driver and Eyewitnesses

The driver, a 28-year-old man, was unharmed and remained at the scene of the accident. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic aftermath, including one local resident, Malka Moskowitz, who attempted to give aid. “I saw them doing CPR on the kid,” she recalled, adding that the boy belonged to her Hasidic community and his mother was well-known to her.

Community Concerns

In reaction to the tragedy, many residents have voiced concerns about the safety of the intersection. Moskowitz mentioned that she frequently allows her nine-year-old to cross the street to purchase treats from a nearby bakery, but her sentiments on safety were conflicted. “In general, I find it safe,” she said, contrasting with other residents who have grown increasingly wary of the area.

Witness Fear

One woman, who requested anonymity, witnessed the horrifying moment the boy was hit and expressed her fear regarding the intersection's safety: “I wouldn’t let my 10-year-old cross it by himself,” she stated, highlighting the impatience of drivers and their tendency to ignore traffic signals. Raphael Lanouette, another local, emphasized the problem, calling attention to careless driving habits, referencing his own experience where a truck disregarded a red light right behind him.

Calls for Safety Measures

Such opinions are echoed throughout the community, with many noting the potential hazards posed by the busy three-lane arterial road of Parc Avenue intersecting with the comparatively quieter Bernard Avenue. Despite the presence of pedestrian signals and designated crossing times, local residents feel more stringent measures are necessary to ensure safety, particularly for children.

Existing Signals Insufficient

The intersection had an advance signal phase intended to prioritize pedestrian crossings, but residents report that this does little to deter reckless driving. Observations made by a police officer monitoring the intersection underscored the urgency of the issue; during a conversation, the officer had to spring into action to pull over a car that ran a red light right before them.

Local Officials Respond

In the aftermath of this tragic event, local officials are being called upon to reassess the safety measures in place at the intersection. Jimmy Zoubris, an advisor to Mayor Valérie Plante and resident of the area, expressed his grief over the tragedy while calling for increased visibility at the intersection, noting that the recent rainy weather had also contributed to difficult driving conditions. “This corner impacts my family and my children every day,” he said.

Mayor's Statement

Mayor Plante addressed the tragedy on social media, expressing her condolences and urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly around vulnerable populations on the roads. “Protecting the most vulnerable on the road is everyone’s business,” she stated, emphasizing the community’s responsibility to ensure safety for all pedestrians.

Community Grieves

As the Mile End community comes to terms with the loss of a young life, ongoing conversation centers around the necessity for improved safety measures to prevent further tragedies at this perilous intersection. A funeral for the boy was scheduled for the following morning, leaving many grieving and reflecting upon the urgent need for changes that could protect others in the future.