A crosswalk that was the scene of a pedestrian accident outside of Citadel middle school in Port Coquitlam last Wednesday had been improved two years previous after parents complained about safety concerns to the city and the school district.
The project, which included curb bulges and changes to the school's driveway, were undertaken in 2013. However, the plan at the time didn't recommend speed humps, a four-way stop at Citadel Drive and Gateway Place or a traffic signal, according to a city report written in 2012, although they were suggestions made during an open house.
Last Wednesday, a 76-year-old man and a nine-year-old Castle Park elementary school student were struck by a car shortly after 3 p.m. in the crosswalk in front of Citadel middle. Both were taken to hospital in serious condition and the man, who was related to the boy, later died, according to Coquitlam RCMP which is investigating the incident.
Counsellors were provided at Citadel middle that night and the next morning and a spokesperson from SD43 said community members, staff, students and parents were among those who took advantage of the service provided by both the school district and the RCMP.
No further information has been provided by the RCMP and the victims have not been named. The school district is not providing information on the boy's condition at this time.
@dstrandbergTC
