Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has cancelled all school-organized ski trips involving chairlifts after a 13-year-old student suffered serious injuries during an incident at Centre Vorlage in western Quebec.
The board confirmed the suspension of trips in a statement, saying the decision will remain in place while officials work to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” an OCDSB spokesperson said, adding that the board is reviewing details of the incident that occurred Wednesday at the ski hill near Wakefield, Que.
Clothing Caught in Chairlift
According to the MRC des Collines de l’Outaouais Police, the girl was attempting to dismount from a chairlift at the top of the hill when part of her clothing became entangled in the lift.
Sgt. Martin Fournel said the student was left hanging from the chairlift after her clothing got caught. Witnesses were unable to reach her due to the height of the lift, and authorities made the decision to send the chair back down the hill.
Emergency responders, along with two doctors present at the scene, performed CPR before the girl was transported to a hospital in Wakefield. She was later transferred to Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa for further treatment.
Support for Students and Staff
On Thursday, the school board said its thoughts were with the student, her family, and the broader school community during what it described as a “deeply difficult time.”
The OCDSB stated that mental health professionals have been made available to support students and staff in the aftermath of the incident. The board has not disclosed the name of the school the girl attends.
Ski Hill Remains Closed
Centre Vorlage announced it will remain closed through the weekend as it continues to cooperate with authorities.
“We believe it is important to take the necessary time to be present for our employees and provide them with all the support needed during this difficult period,” the ski centre said in a statement.
Officials at the facility expressed their concern for the injured student and her family, saying they remain deeply affected by the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the chairlift accident.
