Serious highway crash: Calgary man charged in Macleod Trail crash that killed father and daughter

CALCULATE –

Calgary police say charges were brought in a car crash on the Macleod Trail Wednesday that left a seven-year-old girl and her father dead.

The three car crash happened in the 12800 block of Macleod Trail SE just before 5:30pm

Police say a three-quarter-ton pickup truck was traveling north on the Macleod Trail near Lake Fraser Gate SE when it struck the rear of a sedan traveling in the same direction.

As a result of the collision, the sedan swerved through the median and into the southbound lane, where it was hit by a half-ton truck.

After the collision, the three-quarter-ton vehicle crossed the median as well as the southbound lane and curb, before coming to a stop along a track that ran parallel to the Macleod Trail SE.

Firefighters freed the occupants of the sedan, but two of them, a 37-year-old man and his 7-year-old daughter, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics took an 11-year-old girl from the sedan to the hospital in serious condition and she was later released.

The family has identified the victims as Pierre Mulamba and his daughter as Ninelle Tshamwena.

The 11-year-old in the car with them was Mulamba’s other daughter.

The driver of the half-ton truck was not injured.

Police said the driver of the three-quarter tonne lorry, a man in his 50s, tried to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended a short distance from the scene of the crash.

On Thursday, police announced Yannick Joseph Bouchard, 51, of Calgary, has been charged with:

• Failing/refusing to comply with a request after an accident resulting in death;
• Two counts of dangerous activity causing death;
• A dangerous act that causes bodily harm;
• Two counts of beating to death; and
• One hit and run causes damage to the body.

Police said additional charges are pending.

Bouchard remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

FAMILY Losing Breastfeeding And Young Daughter

Mulamba and Tshamwena – who is also known as ‘Blessing’ – are described by family members as kindred spirits, both with a passion for singing and excited about the opportunity presented to them. after immigrating to Canada.

Andy Mutombo, who lost his brother-in-law and niece in the accident, spoke to CTV News from his hometown of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He said Mulamba studied at DRC and has a bachelor’s degree. He then moved to the United States with his wife, Janine, before moving to Calgary a few months later, where he took classes to become a truck driver and regularly drove around the country.

“It has been a real pleasure for them to be in Canada and certainly in Calgary,” said Mutomba, adding that the whole family loves singing in the local church choir and being involved in the local community. their side.

According to police, excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the fatal crash and the presence of alcohol has not yet been ruled out as the investigation continues.

“The speed limit is for safety because a collision can happen in a split second. Everything you’re doing can be right, but in that split second because you’re going, things can go wrong quickly and they can have devastating effects,” says Sgt. Colin Foster of the CPS traffic unit.

Foster added that the black pickup truck was registered for the suspect and was not reported stolen.

‘WOMEN ARE GOING EVERYWHERE’

Tracy Cole, who witnessed the crash Wednesday night, says she was nearly hit by a black pickup while traveling north on Macleod Trail SE

“He passed me on the right, then turned into the lane in front of me, and then he kept going and hit the back of the car that was going right in front of me,” Cole said.

“All I could see was debris everywhere, car parts, smoke and dust on the road.”

Cole said she was over the speed limit of 80 km/h and the speed of the black pickup was excessive.

‘He passed me like I was stopped, I couldn’t believe there was no brake light and he just ran right into the car in front of me, it happened so fast and it was absolutely terrifying. she said.

At this time, Calgary police are providing support to anyone affected by witnessing the crash.

Anyone with camera footage of the suspected vehicle before the collision or who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266- 1234 or anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.