08 February 2023 , 18:04
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Two children have been killed after a bus crashed into a day care, as police arrested the driver for homicide.
At least six other children were injured in the tragedy at around 8.30am local time in Laval, Quebec, and police set up a large perimeter around the building housing the day care.
Panicked parents who ran to the centre were taken to a nearby elementary school as investigations continue at the site.
Shocking photos from the scene showed the bus buried in the front of the building, which is based at the end of a cul de sac.
Witnesses said they saw the driver of the bus step off the vehicle and remove his clothes before screaming.
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Police confirmed the bus driver, a 51-year-old man, was arrested and charged with homicide and careless driving.
At least six other children were injured in the tragedy in Canada (AFP via Getty Images)Laval mayor Stephane Boyer said the driver has worked for Societe de transport de Laval for about 10 years and has no incidents of note in his file.
He said: "There is a theory that it was an intentional act, but that remains to be confirmed by the investigation."
He added on Twitter: "I am shocked by this news. The investigation continues to understand this tragic series of events. All my support to the parents in these difficult times.
"Laval is wholeheartedly with you and will be there for you. I go there to meet the families."
Several emergency service vehicles lined the streets close to the tragedy (Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock)Hamdi Benchaabane, who lives near the day centre, said he rushed to the scene and subdued the driver with the help of three other parents.
Afterwards they helped pull a child from the day care centre, but they were ordered away as they tried to save a second by firefighters amid concerns the roof could cave in.
He said: "It was a nightmare, I can't believe it, it was horrible.
"The first thing he (the bus driver) did was take off all his clothes after opening the bus door.
Witnesses described the scene as a "nightmare" (Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock)"He was just yelling; there were no words coming out of his mouth."
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his office was "following the situation closely."
He wrote on Twitter: "My heart is with the people of Laval today.
"No words can take away the pain and fear that parents, children, and workers are feeling – but we are here for you.
Parents were taken to a nearby school as updates were provided (Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock)"I’m keeping everyone affected by this unfathomable, tragic event in my thoughts."
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the opposition in the Canadian government, added: "I'm heartbroken by the violent bus attack at the daycare in Laval this morning.
"My heart goes out to the family members who lost loved ones and those injured in this tragedy. No parent should ever worry about the safety of their child."
A spokesman for the Canadian Paediatric Society said: "Our hearts are breaking for the families, children, and educators affected by the unthinkable tragedy in Laval.
"We are thinking of them, and of the health care workers treating the victims, at this difficult time."