Quebec police watchdog investigates fatal car crash after new information emerges

Quebec's independent police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), has opened an investigation into a fatal car crash that occurred on August 5th. The crash claimed the lives of the driver and one of two passengers when their vehicle slammed into a gym in Laval, north of Montreal.

Initially, the BEI had decided against investigating the incident. However, spokesperson Jérémie Comtois confirmed that new information received on Thursday prompted the watchdog to reverse its decision and launch a formal inquiry. While the BEI typically launches investigations within hours or days of an incident involving police, Comtois noted that some investigations commence weeks or months later as new details emerge.

Laval police had previously stated that officers attempted to stop the car because it lacked a license plate. They also reported abandoning the pursuit when the vehicle accelerated sharply. The driver subsequently lost control of the car, leading to the collision with the fitness center.

Police have not released the age of the driver, but confirmed that both passengers in the vehicle were 19 years old. The BEI's investigation will aim to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and the role, if any, police actions played in the fatalities.

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It’s really diverse depending on the situation. … Most of our investigations, we launch them as soon as possible.