Residents of Gatineau came together on Thursday at the site where a pedestrian tragically lost their life in a vehicle collision earlier this week. This gathering was not only to mourn the victim but also to advocate for enhanced measures to ensure road safety in the area. The incident took place at the intersection of rue Gamelin and boulevard Moussette on Monday evening, involving a 69-year-old woman from Gatineau who was fatally injured and the driver of the vehicle, both of whom were taken to the hospital.
Alex Cool-Fergus, one of the organizers of the rally, expressed that the community is deeply unsettled by the accident. The lack of information about the victim has caused anxiety among residents who are closely connected in the neighborhood and frequently walk or bike in the area. Anaïs Bertrand-Dansereau, another resident, highlighted concerns about safety on major roads where people commute to work or hospitals, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures.
Yves Leclerc, a resident on boulevard Moussette, shared his experience of assisting the driver after the collision, underscoring the need for practical changes such as traffic lights at the intersection to enhance safety. Isabelle Cousineau, the district councillor, also attended the rally, acknowledging the profound impact of the incident on the community and the call for tangible actions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The gathering was a reflection of the collective concern for road safety, especially in light of another fatal collision that occurred west of downtown Gatineau early Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of two drivers and critical injuries to a passenger.