ST-EUSTACHE - A mother's attempt to drown her two children before killing herself was stopped when her husband woke up to the sounds of his kids screaming early Monday morning, St-Eustache police said.
St-Eustache police spokesman Normand Brulotte said the woman, 31, suffers from depression.
She attempted to drown her two children, ages 4 and 6, at around 6 a.m. Monday morning, Brulotte said. The children were taken to Ste-Justine Hospital in Montreal for treatment, but their lives are not in danger.
The children's father called 911, said police.
"Thanks to the father's quick actions, after he heard his children screaming, he succeeded in saving their lives," said Brulotte.
Brulotte said the woman was also taken to hospital and may face criminal charges. The Surete du Quebec has taken over the investigation.
"We're talking about a possible loss of human life, so there may be charges against the mother," said Brulotte.
Police say the woman's husband -- and father of the two young children -- is cooperating with authorities.
Police spent Monday taking statements from witnesses, including the children's father.
Neighbours say the woman, who was a stay-at-home mom, had fragile health, and she walked with a cane.
Nearby residents told CTV Montreal they never had any indication the woman was in distress, and their children played alongside each other.
"Everything was fine," said neighbour Joey Lipiek. "My kids went over and there was no problem. We were confident that nothing could happen. They are good people."
"They were a lovely family. Quiet, always smiling, and we would always say hello," said neighbour Martine Despaties.
