Ottawa Teen Seriously Injured in Wakefield Ski Lift Accident at Vorlage
A 13-year-old girl from Ottawa remains in serious condition at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) after sustaining life-threatening injuries while dismounting a chairlift at the Vorlage ski centre in Wakefield. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an immediate emergency response and investigation.
Details of the Chairlift Incident
According to MRC-des-Collines police spokesperson Sergeant Martin Fournel, preliminary investigations indicate that the girl's hoodie became entangled in the chairlift's pull device in lift area B at the top of the ski hill around 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The entanglement prevented her from being freed at the scene, leading to a critical situation where she was caught at the top of the lift.
Fournel confirmed to media outlets that there were significant concerns about the girl's ability to breathe during parts of the rescue operation. First responders initially attempted to free her but were unsuccessful, necessitating a decision to transport her to the bottom of the hill while she remained suspended from the cable.
Complex Rescue Operation and Medical Response
The rescue operation involved multiple emergency personnel who used snowmobile rescue sleds to transport the girl from the bottom of the hill to an ambulance waiting in the parking lot. She was first taken to Wakefield Hospital, a small local facility, where medical staff were able to revive her before she was transferred to CHEO in serious condition.
As of Thursday, there has been no update on her condition. The girl's identity and the name of her school have not been released to the public, respecting the family's privacy during this difficult time.
Investigation and Psychological Support
In addition to police investigators, representatives from Quebec's provincial building authority have been dispatched to the scene to examine the lift structure and determine the exact circumstances of the accident. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities interviewing numerous witnesses who were present during the incident.
Sergeant Fournel emphasized that psychological and emotional support workers were deployed to assist both witnesses and first responders who were deeply affected by the traumatic scene. "Many people were very strongly affected by the scene," Fournel stated, highlighting the emotional impact on those involved in the rescue efforts.
Vorlage's Response and Closure
Vorlage ski centre announced on its website and social media platforms that the hills will remain closed until further notice while the investigation continues. In a statement posted on Facebook, the centre expressed its deepest condolences and support for the injured girl's family.
"Our most sincere thoughts are with the family during this difficult time, and we extend to them our deepest compassion," the statement read, reflecting the community's concern for the young skier's recovery.
The incident has raised awareness about ski lift safety protocols and the importance of proper dismounting procedures, particularly for younger skiers. As the investigation progresses, authorities will likely provide further recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
