Injured Girl Fights for Life After Chairlift Accident, Police Report
A 13-year-old girl remains in critical condition following a tragic chairlift accident during a school trip in western Quebec. The incident occurred at Centre Vorlage ski hill near Wakefield on Wednesday afternoon.
Details of the Chairlift Accident
According to local police, the girl became entangled in her clothing while attempting to dismount from a double chairlift around 2 p.m. Efforts from adults present to assist her were unsuccessful. In a difficult decision, it was determined to lower her back to the bottom of the hill for easier extraction.
Emergency Response
By the time she reached the base, the girl was not breathing. First responders, including two doctors who happened to be on-site, performed CPR before rushing her to a nearby hospital in Wakefield. She was later transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa for further treatment.
Support and Investigations Following the Incident
The situation was distressing for many witnesses, including fellow students and staff. Provincial social workers were deployed to assist approximately 20 witnesses, as reported by MRC des Collines Sgt. Martin Fournel. He noted the emotional toll this incident took on those who witnessed it.
- Victim’s Condition: The girl is critically injured and fighting for her life.
- Location: Centre Vorlage ski hill, Wakefield, Quebec.
- Date of Incident: Wednesday afternoon.
- Emergency Response: CPR was administered, and she was transported to CHEO.
Community and School Support
The co-owner of Centre Vorlage, Alexandre Gaboury, expressed his sadness over the incident and stated that the resort is fully cooperating with the police investigation. The ski hill has been closed since the event and will remain so through the weekend.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has also put measures in place to support students and staff affected by the accident. Diane Pernari, the board’s general manager of communications, emphasized their commitment to student well-being during this challenging time.
Ongoing Investigation
In addition to police inquiries, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec is investigating whether any mechanical failures contributed to the incident. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for the girl’s recovery.
