Cultus Lake Waterpark, situated just outside Chilliwack in British Columbia, has temporarily closed its doors following a serious incident that resulted in the hospitalisation of multiple children. The park confirmed the closure in a statement released on June 15, and it will remain shut for 48 hours as a thorough investigation into the event is conducted.
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The incident, which took place around 11:05 a.m. local time, reportedly involved an electrical issue while visitors were waiting in line for one of the park’s attractions. According to the waterpark’s statement, they are “deeply saddened” by the occurrence and the injuries sustained by several guests, particularly children. They extended gratitude to local emergency services, including the fire department and paramedics, for their prompt response to the situation.
Initial reports suggest that twelve children were taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Andrew Steunenberg, the park’s chief administrative officer, indicated that those affected were not engaged in any rides or activities within the water at the time. The exact nature of the injuries has not been disclosed, but sources—including CBC, CTV News, and The Canadian Press—imply that they stemmed from an electrical malfunction.
In a news release, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to the scene shortly after the incident was reported to them. They confirmed that first responders attended to the situation at approximately 11:20 a.m., providing medical care to those injured and facilitating their transportation to nearby hospitals for further evaluation. Remarkably, all injuries sustained were classified as serious, yet fortunately not life-threatening.
Cpl. Carmen Kiener of the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP reassured the public that the incident appears to be isolated, emphasising that there is currently no ongoing risk to those in the area. Investigators are diligently working to determine the circumstances surrounding the event and to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The RCMP’s statement noted that there is no evidence to suggest that the incident resulted from any intentional action. Authorities remain focused on uncovering the full details and causes of the malfunction.
Cultus Lake Waterpark’s official Facebook page describes it as British Columbia’s largest waterpark, boasting over 25 slides and attractions. Positioned approximately an hour from Vancouver, it is a popular destination for families and tourists alike. However, after this concerning incident, safety measures and operational protocols will likely be scrutinised more closely when the park resumes its operations.
The local community is understandably shaken by the recent developments, and many are now awaiting further updates from the waterpark and local authorities. In the meantime, the families affected are being supported as they navigate the aftermath of this unfortunate situation.
As the investigation progresses, Cultus Lake Waterpark has promised to provide additional information to the public. All eyes are now on the findings that will hopefully lead to a clearer understanding of what transpired and the measures that will be taken to ensure visitor safety in the future.