A recent incident at Cultus Lake Waterpark in British Columbia has raised concerns about electrical safety, with a preliminary investigation revealing 'electrical non-compliances' at the site. This incident, which occurred on a Monday, resulted in 12 children being hospitalized with electrical burn injuries. The affected children, aged 12 to 13, were on a field trip from Minnekhada Middle School. Two of them were airlifted to the hospital, with police describing their injuries as 'serious but stable'.
The incident took place at the Zero to 60 Raceway, a five-lane slide where people race each other using slip-and-slide carpets. The park's chief administrative officer, Andrew Steunenberg, confirmed that an 'electrical' incident occurred while children were lining up for the ride. The park's website specifies that the incident involved a 'steel frame tent structure with handrails'.
Technical Safety B.C. (TSBC), the independent regulator overseeing the investigation, has found 'electrical non-compliances' at the park. TSBC's statement emphasizes the need for a thorough assessment and further investigation before the park can reopen. The park remains closed, with no timeline for reopening, as the owner must correct all identified hazards.
The RCMP has ruled out criminality, but the investigation continues. The park has been cooperative, providing a statement on its website and working with investigators. However, the park has not yet responded to specific inquiries from CBC News regarding the TSBC update and the timing of the last electrical system inspection.
This incident highlights the importance of electrical safety in amusement parks and the potential risks associated with non-compliance. It also underscores the need for thorough inspections and maintenance to prevent such incidents. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to determine the exact cause of the electrical non-compliances and ensure that necessary corrective actions are taken to prevent future incidents.
