Laval car crash kills two after vehicle fleeing police crashes into training centre
Two people died and a third was critically injured after a vehicle being pursued by Laval police crashed into a training centre just after 1 a.m., authorities say.
Early Wednesday, just after 1 a.m., a vehicle without licence plates accelerated away from police on Rue Ouimet in Pont-Viau and struck the façade of a nearby training centre, causing the car to be projected several metres and severely damaging the building. The Service de police de Laval (SPL) said officers abandoned the interception because they judged continuing the pursuit would be too dangerous. Two occupants died at the scene and a third, critically injured, was taken to hospital.
Police response and pursuit decision
Patrol officers spotted the unplated vehicle shortly before 1:10 a.m. and attempted an intercept on Rue Ouimet in the Pont-Viau neighbourhood. According to the SPL, the driver sped away and police discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons.
The vehicle collided with a training-centre building a short distance later, and investigators described the wreckage as heavily damaged, with the car apparently split by the impact. A wide safety perimeter was established and investigators remained on site through the morning.
Victims and hospital status
Police confirmed the driver, whose age has not been released, was killed in the crash along with a 19-year-old female passenger. A second male passenger, also 19, was transported to hospital in critical condition.
No identities have been released pending family notification and further police procedures. The SPL has not publicly indicated any charges related to the attempted stop while the investigation remains active.
Damage to building and surrounding area
The façade of the Atlantis Gym training centre was severely damaged, and witnesses and police noted the vehicle’s carcass appeared to have been thrown several metres. The force of the impact left the car in multiple pieces and caused visible structural harm to the building’s frontage.
Gym management announced the facility would remain closed for the day while assessments and repairs are arranged. Municipal inspectors or engineers may be called in to evaluate the structure before it can reopen to the public.
Traffic disruption and impacts on local services
A large police perimeter blocked Boulevard des Laurentides in both directions between Boulevard Saint-Martin and Rue Richard, creating significant traffic disruptions in the area. Drivers were asked to avoid the zone while investigators processed the scene.
The closure affected access to nearby health services, including a local CLSC and a Groupe de médecine familiale (GMF). Santé Québec Laval reported multiple appointments were postponed as staff and patients could not reach the facilities because of the blocked streets.
Investigation and next steps by authorities
SPL investigators, including collision reconstruction specialists, remained on site to examine the scene, document evidence and determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. Police said they are gathering surveillance footage, witness accounts and vehicle information as part of a homicide and traffic-safety inquiry.
Officials also indicated they would review the decision-making around the attempted intercept and how the situation unfolded, consistent with standard procedure after fatal collisions involving police activity nearby. Further updates are expected as investigators confirm identities and conclude initial forensic work.
The SPL has asked anyone with video or information related to the incident to contact investigators to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
