Coroner Declares Parc Avenue Boy's Fatal Collision as Accidental
A Quebec coroner has officially ruled that the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy, who was struck by a food delivery truck in Montreal's Mile End neighbourhood in November 2024, was accidental. The incident occurred at the intersection of Parc and Bernard Avenues, a location that has been plagued by safety concerns for years.
Details of the Fatal Incident
In a report filed on February 23, coroner Marie-Claude Boutin detailed the events leading to the death of Yakov Austerlitz. On the evening of November 4, 2024, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the boy was heading east on the north side of Bernard Avenue. He decided to cross south at Parc Avenue near a pedestrian crossing. At that moment, a food delivery truck was heading south on Parc Avenue and signaled a right turn onto Bernard Avenue.
The traffic light was green for vehicles, and pedestrians faced a flashing orange hand with a countdown to the signal change. The boy was hit by the front right-hand side of the truck and became trapped underneath, sustaining critical injuries. He was later declared dead at a hospital. The 28-year-old driver remained at the scene and was not injured.
Factors Contributing to the Accident
Coroner Boutin noted that conditions at the time were challenging: it was dark, raining lightly, and the child was wearing dark clothing. She concluded that, given where the boy began crossing, "it is probable, given the circumstances, that at that moment, Yakov was in the driver’s blind spot." This combination of factors likely contributed to the driver's inability to see the pedestrian in time to avoid the collision.
While part of Boutin's role involves making recommendations to prevent similar incidents, she acknowledged that a report from Montreal's collision review department had already addressed many issues at this intersection. These included improved signage to ban truck traffic in certain areas and enhancements to pedestrian crossing markings and signals.
History of Safety Concerns at the Intersection
This intersection has a long history of dangerous incidents. Nearly a year after Austerlitz's death, on September 7, 2025, a 31-year-old cyclist was killed after being hit by a truck at the same spot, sparking a demonstration that included a "die-in" by local cyclists. In 2016, a truck struck two women in their 60s, resulting in one death and critical injuries for the other.
Since 2013, a total of eight pedestrian and cyclist deaths have been recorded on this street, highlighting ongoing safety challenges. Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns, calling for more effective measures to protect vulnerable road users in the area.
The coroner's ruling underscores the need for continued vigilance and improvements in urban safety infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
