Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Champlain Bridge needs anti-suicide barrier, a Quebec coroner says

Recommendation comes after Erik Bouton, 38, jumped to his death from the structure last May.

A recently released Quebec coroner report says the Champlain Bridge needs to improve its safety barrier, after a 38-year-old man jumped to his death from the structure in May 2022.
A recently released Quebec coroner report says the Champlain Bridge needs to improve its safety barrier, after a 38-year-old man jumped to his death from the structure in May 2022. Photo by Paul Chiasson /THE CANADIAN PRESS

A Quebec coroner says the Champlain Bridge must have a suicide-prevention barrier installed after a 38-year-old man jumped to his death from the structure last May.

Dr. Jean E. Brochu said in his report released Jan. 5 the current barrier along the bridge’s pedestrian pathway should be made impossible to climb.

Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

He suggested as a model the anti-suicide fence installed in 2004 on the Jacques Cartier Bridge.

Brochu’s report says Erik Bouton was seen by security guards on May 22 standing “upright and motionless” on the bridge’s pathway before the man jumped into the St. Lawrence River.

A national suicide prevention group recommends bridges have adequate barriers to help prevent suicides.

Robert Olson with the Centre for Suicide Prevention says anti-suicide fences are not systematically installed on new bridges because of the cost or for esthetic reasons.