Twelve children are recovering after receiving electrical shocks at the Cultus Lake Waterpark on Monday morning. The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. while the group was queueing for the Zero-60 Speedway slide, prompting an immediate closure of the facility that is expected to last at least through Monday, June 22.
Did You Know? Ten of the twelve children injured in the incident were students participating in a field trip from Minnekhada Middle School in Port Coquitlam, B.C.
How the incident occurred
According to general manager Andrew Steuneberg, the children suffered electrical shocks after making contact with a railing in the ride’s queuing area. While the exact cause of the electrical discharge remains under investigation, BC Hydro has confirmed the issue originated on the “customer’s side” of the electrical service at the park.
Expert Insight: Investigations into infrastructure-related accidents often focus on the distinction between utility-side and customer-side equipment. Because BC Hydro has identified the origin as the customer’s side, the focus of regulatory scrutiny will likely remain on the park’s internal maintenance protocols and the specific condition of the railing involved.
What happens next for the park
Cultus Lake Waterpark has confirmed it will remain closed indefinitely as it undergoes thorough safety reviews. The facility will not resume operations until it receives formal approval from three distinct regulatory bodies: WorkSafe BC, Technical Safety BC, and Fraser Health.
While the investigation is ongoing, the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP has provided an early assessment of the situation. Const. Brad Holditch stated on Tuesday that the incident does not appear to be criminal in nature. Officials have confirmed that all 12 children are doing well, though the park has not disclosed how many of those individuals remain in the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the waterpark reopen?
The park is closed at least through Monday, June 22. No firm reopening date has been set, as the park must first receive approval from WorkSafe BC, Technical Safety BC, and Fraser Health.
Is the police investigation ongoing?
Yes, but Const. Brad Holditch of the RCMP noted that the incident does not currently appear to be criminal in nature.
Where did the electrical issue originate?
BC Hydro confirmed the electrical issue originated on the “customer’s side” of the electrical service at the park.
How should public venues balance the need for rapid safety assessments with the transparency required by the families affected?
