Temporary sidewalk built in Burnaby where teenager was killed last week

A temporary sidewalk has been built at the scene of a fatal crash in South Burnaby, where a Grade 8 student was hit by a dump truck while she was walking home from school.

Crews with Ledingham McAllister and Marcon Construction built emergency sidewalks and set up barriers on the south side of 11 Avenue from 17 Street to 18 Street on Wednesday.

The City of Burnaby says it will also fast-track the creation of a permanent sidewalk for that area by the summer, and that “building sidewalks is a City priority.”

Read more: Thousands raised for family of Burnaby student hit, killed by dump truck

The city says it has received complaints from neighbours and residents following last Wednesday’s fatal incident.

“If the results of the investigation show the City could have done something different to prevent this tragedy, we will make all necessary changes immediately,” the City of Burnaby said in a statement Wednesday.

Many have questioned why there were no sidewalks previously — especially since the road is close to Byrne Creek Community School and is in a residential area.

A photo of the scene of the crash which shows the lack of sidewalks in the area. (Angela Bower, CityNews photo)

This was the second pedestrian-related incident along that stretch of road. Another teenager was struck by a minivan in November while walking, though she was not seriously physically hurt.

The Burnaby RCMP has said it was consulting with the City of Burnaby regarding safety measures following that incident. RCMP officers also held enforcement campaigns, handing out tickets to several commercial drivers for various issues from insecure cargo to distracted driving.

In addition to permanent sidewalks, “the City is also looking at other measures to enhance traffic calming and safety, to ensure everyone in this neighbourhood feels safe travelling through the area, regardless of whether they are walking, rolling or driving.”

Ledingham McAllister added it’s also completed the implementation of a new route for heavy trucks.

It is encouraging other private and government entities with construction projects and operations to do the same.

Complaints have been raised by neighbours over the ongoing construction in the area, and the lack of sidewalks. (CityNews Image)

The cause of last Thursday’s fatal incident is still under investigation, and Mounties say they are considering several factors. They are also reviewing a video which was provided to police by the construction company.

Ledingham McAllister and Marcon Construction allege the girl was frightened by a dog and ran onto the road. CityNews has not independently verified the video and requests to view the video to both the company and RCMP have been denied.

At this time, the RCMP has ruled out speed and impairment but the investigation is ongoing.

Afghan community completely in shock

The victim has been identified as Muska Behzad, who had recently immigrated from Afghanistan to B.C. along with her siblings and mother to be with her father.

She’s remembered as a kind, loving, and generous girl who was an excellent student.

Gulalai Habib with Burnaby Neighbourhood House says the Afghan community is shocked and heartbroken. She says she has been in touch with Behzad’s father, to ensure the family has anything it needs such as emotional, financial, or even legal support during this difficult time.

“At this time, we know that all they need is peace and a time to come together as a family during this shocking period for them,” Habib said.

“[Muska] was the oldest child of the family and a great support to the parents in terms of care for the siblings and the rest of the family members. So … I can imagine how this will be for the siblings and the mother and father and other members of the family, as well as her colleagues, her classmates, those who were in touch with her in the school and all the school staff in the whole community, neighbors, and friends.”

Habib says the family is among the few who accepted to come to Canada, with the promise of a better life. This tragedy, she notes, is an even bigger shock.

A GoFundMe for Behzad’s family has raised more than $30,000, surpassing its goal, with the funds raised going towards funeral costs.

With files from Michael Williams