Quebec Safety Agency Identifies Non-Conformities at Vorlage Ski Area Following Fatal Accident
The Quebec building authority, known as the Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ), has identified multiple safety non-conformities at Centre Vorlage ski area near Wakefield. This action came after a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a 13-year-old Ottawa girl during a school ski trip. The RBQ issued a notice prohibiting the operation of all aerial lifts at the ski area while a comprehensive review was conducted.
Immediate Shutdown and Gradual Reopening
Following the accident, the RBQ ordered Centre Vorlage to shut down its aerial lifts immediately. The agency stated that it had received requested documents from Vorlage on February 16, confirming that all identified non-conformities had been corrected. As a result, the ski area was cleared to gradually reopen its operations this week, beginning with a review of safety training for all lift operators on Sunday before reopening to the public on Tuesday.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The 13-year-old girl was on a school ski trip when her hoodie became entangled in part of the chairlift mechanism, according to police reports. First responders were unable to free her at the top of the ski hill, leading to a decision to move her to the bottom while she was still hanging from the cable. She was transported first to Wakefield hospital and then to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), where she later died from her injuries.
Her parents released a statement on Sunday confirming her death and expressing gratitude for the community's outpouring of love and the efforts of those who tried to save her. Because the girl died in Ontario, the provincial coroner is leading the investigation into her death, with cooperation from Quebec authorities. Police investigations are also ongoing.
Focus of the Investigation
The investigation is expected to concentrate on several critical areas:
- Operator Training: Examining whether lift operators received adequate safety training and followed proper protocols.
- Safety Equipment Functionality: Assessing whether safety mechanisms designed to automatically stop the chairlift when a rider fails to disembark were operational as expected.
- Clothing Entanglement: Investigating how the girl's hoodie became entangled in the chairlift machinery, raising questions about specific warnings for hoodies versus other clothing items like scarves or long hair.
Yves Juneau, president of the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts, emphasized that every ski area is required to have automatic stopping mechanisms in place. He stated, "What I will tell you is at the off-loading area of the lift there is a safety bar. When someone doesn't unload, the safety bar is supposed to stop the lift. I want to see the report that confirms that lift was stopped. That is exactly what is supposed to happen." Juneau added that his organization has questions about the role clothing might have played in the accident.
Community Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
In the wake of the accident, flowers and a stuffed animal were left near the entrance to Centre Vorlage as tributes to the young girl. The incident has sparked broader discussions about ski lift safety standards and the need for clear warnings regarding clothing items like hoodies. As Centre Vorlage resumes operations, the RBQ and other authorities continue to monitor compliance with safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
The fatal accident underscores the importance of rigorous safety inspections and operator training at ski resorts across Quebec. With the investigation ongoing, stakeholders await further details to understand the full circumstances and implement any necessary safety enhancements.
