'Electrical non-compliances' uncovered at B.C. water park where 12 children were injured
The investigation into a scary incident at a B.C. water park this week that sent a dozen children to the hospital has revealed early insights as to a possible cause.
Technical Safety BC (TSBC), an independent organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of equipment and systems across the province, is leading the investigation after multiple people suffered electrical burn injuries at Cultus Lake Waterpark.
TSBC told Daily Hive that safety officers are currently on-site conducting a thorough assessment of the regulated electrical and amusement device equipment involved in the incident, which occurred on Monday, June 15.
Cultus Lake Waterpark
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“Preliminary findings have identified electrical non-compliances at the site,” said TSBC in a statement. “In order for the park to reopen, we will need to conduct further investigation, and the park owner will need to correct all hazards. As a result, the waterpark remains closed with no timeline for reopening.
“As B.C.’s technical safety regulator, we take our responsibility to the public incredibly seriously. Like all British Columbians, we are thinking of the families impacted by this incident.”
Cultus Lake Waterpark, located at 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, was open to school groups on Monday when the incident occurred.
Ken Hoff, assistant director of communications and community relations for the Coquitlam School District, confirmed a number of students from School District 43’s Minnekhada Middle School in Port Coquitlam were injured at the water park.
According to BC Emergency Health Services, two of the injured were transported to the hospital by air ambulance, and the other 10 were transported by ground ambulance.
Cultus Lake Community/Facebook
“When an incident or equipment failure occurs, the operator must make all necessary safety improvements and repairs,” explained TSBC. “We remain committed to working with them to support their return to operation once all outstanding issues have been corrected.
“We understand that the closure of a popular summer attraction is disappointing for visitors and families looking forward to their summer activities. However, the safety of the public remains our top priority.”
B.C.’s largest water park shared “thoughts and prayers” to the victims, families and classmates of those affected in a social media post on Tuesday, adding that it was fully cooperating in the investigation.
View this post on Instagram
“This incident occurred at the bottom of our Zero to 60 waterslide attraction, past the end of the slide,” posted Cultus Lake Waterpark. “This incident was tragic, and we are deeply upset by what these children experienced at our park.”
“At this time, we are not confirming a reopening date. Our immediate closure will continue to be extended and ongoing as needed to adequately complete all thorough reviews and for us to address the findings and required actions. Cultus Lake Waterpark will not reopen until approval is given from WorkSafe BC, Technical Safety BC, and Fraser Health.”