Technical Safety BC has found “electrical non-compliances” in its preliminary investigation into the June 15 electrical incident at the now-closed Cultus Lake Waterpark.
Officials with the safety regulator said the waterpark will not re-open until electrical issues or hazards that put them in non-compliance are corrected.
“We understand that the closure of a popular summer attraction is disappointing for visitors and families looking forward to their summer activities,” said Technical Safety BC in its release June 17.
“However, the safety of the public remains our top priority.”
They want the public to know they take their responsibility “incredibly seriously” and are thinking about the families from the Minnekhada Middle School community, as they probe what happened.
Their investigation is looking at the electrical and amusement equipment involved in the incident to complete a thorough assessment. Any hazards identified will have to be assessed and addressed before the waterpark can open its gates again.
They found “electrical non-compliances” at the site during the preliminary work of the safety officers but have not offered any specific details as to what those hazards were.
That means the waterpark will remain closed with “no timeline for reopening,” until safety can be assured as reported on June 16.
The group of youth on a field trip suffered burns after touching an electrified rail in the queuing area of one of the rides, Zero to 60 Raceway.
The middle school students were found conscious and breathing, with non life-threatening injuries in the form of electrical burns which were treated in a mass casualty response by arriving first responders, Cultus Lake Fire Department, BC Ambulance Services and RCMP. Ten were transported to hospital by ground and two by air ambulance.
Technical Safety BC is the regulator overseeing the safe installation and operations of technical systems and equipment.
“When an incident or equipment failure occurs, the operator must make all necessary safety improvements and repairs. We remain committed to working with them to support their return to operation once all outstanding issues have been corrected.”
One issue mentioned by members of the public is how the park could have kept operating after the electrical incident that saw 12 patients hospitalized with electrical burns.
The waterpark did not close its doors and was still open when the Minnekhada Middle School group left a couple of hours after the incident.
BC Hydro officials put out a statement on June 17 to establish the electrical issue stemmed from the park’s electrical service.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected by Monday’s incident at Cultus Lake Waterpark.
“After an initial investigation, our crews have identified that the electrical issue originated on the customer’s side of the electrical service, rather than within our infrastructure or equipment.
“The safety of the public is our top priority, and we’re continuing to work cooperatively with the waterpark operator and will support the ongoing investigation in any way we can.”