In the early hours of December 4 last year, a tragic incident occurred at Villa-Maria station where an 18-year-old man, grappling with mental health challenges, jumped in front of a moving Metro train. Prior to this, the young man had visited a health center after making suicidal comments to his friends, attributing these remarks to impulsivity following personal conflicts and a breakup. Following the incident, he was supposed to stay with a close associate.
The young man was alone on the Metro platform around 1 a.m. when he ran towards the incoming train, and despite the operator’s efforts, a collision occurred as the train couldn’t stop in time. After his death, several farewell letters addressed to his loved ones were discovered in his room.
This case is one of four reports recently released by the Quebec coroner’s office, shedding light on suicides in the Montreal Metro in 2024. The coroners expressed concern over the rising number of suicides, with records showing 92 such incidents in the Montreal Metro system between 2015 and 2023, averaging 10 per year. The annual suicide attempts increased from 14-18 between 2020-2023 to 25 in 2024.
Julie-Kim Godin, one of the coroners involved in the investigations, emphasized the need for enhanced suicide prevention strategies in the Metro. She and her team recommended expediting the study on installing platform screen doors in the Metro to restrict access to the tracks, a measure proven effective in preventing suicides. Additionally, they suggested deploying safety ambassadors at all stations, increasing staff training, and ensuring staff presence during all operational hours.
While the STM acknowledged existing suicide prevention measures, including a platform detection system and trained staff, the implementation of platform screen doors faces funding challenges. Despite financial constraints, Godin stressed the importance of considering these doors as an investment in public safety rather than a mere cost.
Ella Amir, the executive director of AMI-Quebec, emphasized the importance of early intervention in suicide prevention, advocating for increased accessibility to mental health services and community support. She highlighted the need for proactive outreach to individuals in distress and urged society to recognize and respond to warning signs of potential suicide risks.
A project using artificial intelligence to detect behaviors signaling suicide attempts in the Metro is underway, offering a promising technological solution. As efforts continue to enhance suicide prevention measures, it remains crucial for individuals to be aware of available resources and support networks for mental health crises.