Twelve children were rushed to the hospital after a terrifying incident at a popular Canadian water park that officials say may have involved electricity.
The frightening scene unfolded Monday morning at Cultus Lake Waterpark in British Columbia, located near Chilliwack, about an hour outside Vancouver.
According to the park, the “serious incident” happened around 11:05 a.m. while guests were standing in a line near one of the park’s rides.
The park said it was “deeply saddened” after a number of guests were injured, including children. Local firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene and helped treat the victims.
While the water park did not say exactly what caused the injuries, multiple outlets, including CBC, CTV News and The Canadian Press, reported that the incident appeared to be electrical.
Officials said 12 children were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Thankfully, police later said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Cultus Lake Waterpark’s chief administrative officer, Andrew Steunenberg, reportedly said the children were not in the water and were not on any rides when the incident happened.
The park quickly shut down for 48 hours so officials could conduct what it called a “thorough and independent investigation.”
The Chilliwack Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers responded around 11:20 a.m. after receiving reports of “multiple injuries” at the park.
“Paramedics and other first responders attended the scene, providing medical care to 12 individuals,” police said in a statement. “All injured persons were transported to hospital for further assessment and treatment.”
Police said the incident appeared to be isolated and that there was no ongoing danger to the public.
Cpl. Carmen Kiener of the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP said investigators do not believe the incident was caused on purpose.
“At this time, there is no indication that the event was caused by a person, and investigators do not believe it to be the result of deliberate human action,” police said.
The exact cause remains under investigation.
Cultus Lake Waterpark describes itself as British Columbia’s largest water park, with more than 25 slides and attractions. The popular family destination is now facing serious questions as investigators work to determine how a fun day in the sun turned into a horrifying emergency.
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