Overpass casualties out of danger: doctors

Four people injured in the collapse of an overpass on Highway 19 in Laval have been stabilized and should recover successfully, doctors at Sacr-Coeur hospital said Monday afternoon.

"We had to face a catastrophe this weekend, but we're happy to say that all four patients are in stable condition, and only one needs the help of a respirator," said Dr. Ronald Denis, head of the hospital's trauma unit. "They should recover physically from their injuries."

The victim who is breathing with a respirator remains in intensive care, but his life is no longer in danger, Denis said. He sustained head injuries but is responding to stimulus.

The other three victims one woman and two men are recovering in the hospital's trauma unit. The victims sustained several fractures and required surgery. Their identities won't be released to the public, Denis said.

While they're expected to make a full physical recovery,it will take some time to measure their psychological trauma, Denis added.

"What an event like that can give, in terms of post-traumatic stress, is difficult to say, and it takes longer to diagnose," Denis said.

The victims were among six taken to hospital after the fatal De la Concorde overpass collapse Saturday afternoon. Two other victims were taken to the Jean-Talon Hospital and treated for minor injuries. One was released on Saturday and the second, who sustained facial wounds,remains in hospital in stable condition under observation.

Police identify the deceased

Five people died when the overpass crumbled and crashed onto Highway 19 early Saturday afternoon.

La Sret du Qubec identified the last two victims Monday afternoon. They are Vronique Binette and Mathieu Goyette, both 28 and from Laval.

The three other people killed in the accident are Jean-Pierre Hamel, 40, his partner Sylvie Beaudet, 44, and his brother Gilles, 44. They leave an eight-year old son.