Cultus Lake Waterpark has sent an official letter to parents, staff, and students of a Port Coquitlam school after an unfortunate “electrical” incident that sent 12 to hospital earlier this week.
In the letter, park administrator Andrew Steunenberg says they are “deeply saddened and sorry for the tragic accident” that happened in the facility’s Zero to 60 waterslide attraction while the Minnekhada Middle School students were visiting.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the children who were injured and their families,” the letter says.
“We also want to extend our regrets to the entire student body, staff, and families, most certainly impacted by this awful event, many of whom were at the waterpark and witnessed it.”
On Monday, a dozen students suffered injuries at the park after the incident. All of those students were taken to hospital, with two of them being transported by air ambulance. The RCMP has confirmed the accident was “electrical” in nature but has not specified whether the victims were electrocuted.
Steunenberg says the park is cooperating with Technical Safety BC in an independent investigation to identify the cause of the incident.
“We understand there are several unanswered questions, and information is limited at this time, but we will be providing regular updates on our website as more information becomes available,” he said.
Officials have said the incident occurred when the students made contact with a railing at the waterslide.
The RCMP says early indications show no criminality.
The park will reopen when the investigation is complete, and findings and required actions are addressed, Steunenberg wrote.
The school will receive a refund of admission fees within the week, the letter says.
— With files from Raynaldo Suarez