Quebec coroner investigates deaths of Inuuk women struck on Montreal highways

MONTREAL — The Quebec coroner is investigating the deaths of two Inuuk women in their 20s who were hit by cars within a 24-hour period over the weekend on separate Montreal highways.

A spokesperson for the coroner’s office confirmed today that the investigations have been ordered.

Provincial police say they received a call on Friday around 4:15 a.m. about a woman in a wheelchair who was struck by a vehicle on a highway in Dorval, a city on the Island of Montreal.

Mary-Jane Tulugak, from Puvirnituq, in Quebec’s northern region of Nunavik, was transported to hospital with serious injuries and later confirmed dead. 

Police say they received a call on Saturday around 1:15 a.m. about a second woman who had been struck multiple times on a nearby but separate highway.

Nellie Niviaxie, from Umiujaq, in Nunavik, was declared dead at the scene. 

The Nunavik Health Board says both women had travelled to Montreal for medical reasons and were staying at the Ullivik health centre, located near the highways where the women were struck.

Sgt. Nicolas Scholtus says police are investigating and have not confirmed whether the two incidents are related.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 23, 2022.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press