The family of a toddler, one-and-a-half-year-old Liam Riazati, who tragically lost his life when an SUV crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is calling for urgent changes to enhance safety in childcare facilities. The incident occurred on Wednesday, resulting in Liam's death and injuries to six children and three adults, with two of the injured children currently in critical condition. A 70-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving, but authorities do not believe the act was intentional.
In a heartfelt memorial held at Elgin Mills Cemetery in Richmond Hill, hundreds of family members, friends, and community members gathered on Sunday morning to pay their respects to Liam. The funeral was adorned with white flower arrangements, and a slideshow featuring pictures of Liam and his family played for attendees, encapsulating the joy and innocence of the young boy.
Liam's mother, Behnoosh Noori, expressed profound grief in a translated letter during the service, stating, “It’s been three days now, and we’ve been like walking dead in our own home. Life doesn’t go on without you, Liam.” As a tribute, vibrant helium balloons were released into the sky, symbolizing the family's love and a hopeful goodbye to their cherished child at his burial site.
Describing Liam as a “beautiful boy” who was the center of her family’s universe, his aunt, Mina Riazati, lamented the unexpected loss, stating, “We didn’t even think for a second that we would sit here, gathered for his funeral.” She emphasized that the tragedy could have been prevented and is advocating for legislative measures to ensure safety in childcare facilities, insisting that “please do something” is paramount in the aftermath of such a devastating incident.
Saeedeh Pourmusa, a close relative, echoed the desire for change, hoping that Liam's legacy will be one that protects future children and prevents similar tragedies. “They are the most fragile members of our society,” she stated, underlining the importance of implementing stringent safety measures for children, whether they are in public areas or at home. Pourmusa stressed the importance of not placing children in potentially dangerous positions, pointing out that precautions in childcare settings should mirror those taken at home.
The Riazati family has reached out to local officials to communicate their concerns, while Richmond Hill Mayor David West expressed his sorrow over the incident. He emphasized that the responsibility for implementing safety changes lies with the provincial government, indicating that it is outside the municipalities’ jurisdiction. “I will be monitoring this, as I’m sure the community will, to make sure that action happens quickly and effectively,” West assured the grieving family and community.
Following the incident, Ontario’s Education Minister, Paul Calandra, announced that the government is contemplating legislative changes aimed at improving safety near childcare facilities. These proposed measures include mandating higher curbs and installing bollards to protect against vehicle incursions and limiting parking close to the windows and walls of such facilities, which echoes the family's plea for immediate action.
While the presence of Children, Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa at the funeral signified official acknowledgment, he opted not to speak to reporters, prioritizing respect for the grieving family. Pourmusa conveyed her skepticism regarding the adequacy of official promises for change, stating, “It is never enough.” She insisted that efforts to enhance safety for all children should be constant and relentless, emphasizing that the work to create a safer world for kids must continue unceasingly.
