A young child was hospitalized with serious injuries following a distressing incident on a chairlift at a popular Outaouais ski hill on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred at Centre Vorlage in Wakefield, Quebec, located just north of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, prompting an immediate closure of the facility.
Incident Details and Police Investigation
According to the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais police, the incident took place at approximately 2:10 p.m. when the child was in the process of disembarking from the chairlift. Authorities confirmed the serious nature of the injuries in a Facebook post, stating that the child was swiftly transported to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa for emergency medical treatment.
The police investigation remains active, with officials working to determine the exact circumstances that led to this unfortunate accident. The ski centre acknowledged the severity of the situation in their own social media statement, expressing heartfelt condolences to the affected family during what they described as a difficult time.
Immediate Closure and Community Impact
Centre Vorlage was closed immediately following the incident and remained shuttered throughout Thursday as a precautionary measure. This closure has disrupted winter sports activities in the region, affecting both local enthusiasts and visitors to the ski hill.
The incident raises important questions about chairlift safety protocols and procedures, particularly concerning young skiers. While such accidents are relatively rare at regulated ski facilities, they underscore the importance of proper safety measures and supervision during winter sports activities.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further details about the child's condition and the specific factors that contributed to this serious accident at the Wakefield ski centre.
