‘Quebec is Amqui:’ Premier visits grief-stricken community after fatal crash | 24CA News
Quebec Premier François Legault visited the grieving neighborhood of Amqui, Que., the place a driver rammed a pickup truck right into a throng of pedestrians, killing two.
“I think if there is a message to send today it’s that Quebec is Amqui,” he mentioned Thursday. “All of Quebec is with Matapédia, with the Bas-Saint-Laurent.”
Legault was alongside the leaders of opposition events to supply help within the wake of the alleged assault that has rocked the small city in japanese Quebec. He spoke to residents, gently taking them by the hand to supply his condolences, and urged them to hunt assist in the event that they want it.
Two males have been killed and 9 others — together with two younger kids — have been injured within the crash Monday afternoon. Quebec provincial police have mentioned the alleged assault was intentional, with a driver plowing into pedestrians at random.
Steeve Gagnon, 38, has been charged with harmful driving inflicting dying and Crown prosecutors have mentioned extra fees are potential because the investigation continues. The case returns to court docket in April.
Legault mentioned it was tough to seek out the phrases, however that extra needs to be performed for psychological well being. Answering a reporter’s query, he mentioned it was necessary to put money into psychological well being companies, and that extra can be revealed within the upcoming provincial finances subsequent week.
“I think it’s important to tell the people who may have some difficulties to ask for help,” Legault mentioned. “Help is available. It’s available right now, right here.”
Quebec Premier François Legault, centre, speaks to a primary responder, in Amqui, Que., Thursday, March 16, 2023. Local MNA Parti Quebecois MNA Pascal Bérubé, proper, seems to be on.
Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press
The premier additionally thanked native leaders, first responders and bystanders who swiftly took motion because the emergency unfolded. He mentioned his ideas are with the victims and their family members.
“Courage, everyone. We’re with you all,” Legault mentioned. “We’re thinking of you.”
Read extra:
Man booed, charged with harmful driving inflicting dying in ‘horrific’ Amqui, Que. crash
Flowers, candles and stuffed animals lined the steps of a church in Amqui, the place residents have gathered within the days following the crash. The same memorial was arrange close to the scene of the deadly collision, the place Legault and different elected officers positioned bouquets of white flowers.
A candlelight vigil is deliberate for 7 p.m. in entrance of the Saint-Benoit-Joseph-Labre church.
— with information from The Canadian Press
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