A 13-year-old girl is currently receiving treatment in hospital following a serious incident involving a chairlift at a ski resort in western Quebec. The accident occurred during a school outing at a facility near Wakefield, raising concerns about safety protocols in recreational areas.
Incident Details
The unfortunate event took place on Wednesday afternoon as the young student was riding the chairlift alone. According to Sgt. Martin Fournel, a spokesperson for the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, the girl encountered difficulties while preparing to disembark. “She had almost reached the summit when a piece of her clothing became entangled in the chair,” Fournel explained. “As a result, she was unable to touch the ground and got caught.”
Efforts to rescue the girl were hampered by the urgency of the situation. Fournel noted that no one arrived in time to extract her from the precarious position. “Eventually, a decision was made to reactivate the lift and bring her back down to the base, where first responders were waiting to assist,” he added, without disclosing further information about her current condition.
Response from the Resort
The ski resort released a statement confirming that emergency services were alerted to the unloading area of chairlift B at around 2:10 p.m. “We have been informed that the victim was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO),” the statement said. Alexandre Gaboury, co-owner of the resort, expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident, stating, “The Centre Vorlage team is deeply saddened by this accident that occurred today. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones.”
The resort has pledged its cooperation with local authorities as the investigation unfolds, highlighting the critical nature of understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
Support for Students and Staff
In light of the incident, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has implemented support measures for both students and staff. Diane Pernari, the board’s general manager of communications and public relations, stated, “Our thoughts are with the student, their family, and the entire school community during this deeply difficult time.” She assured that mental health professionals would be available to assist those affected in the aftermath of the trip.
The board is taking this matter seriously, ensuring that student well-being remains a priority as it navigates the challenges arising from the accident.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to ascertain the specifics surrounding the incident, which has raised concerns about safety protocols in recreational settings. As more information becomes available, it will be crucial for the community to understand the measures that will be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Why it Matters
This tragic incident underscores the importance of safety in recreational environments, particularly those frequented by children. As investigations proceed, there is an urgent need for a reassessment of existing safety measures in ski resorts and similar facilities across the region. The well-being of young individuals must remain a priority, and this event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in seemingly harmless outdoor activities. The community will look for answers and reassurance as it comes to terms with the implications of this accident.
