Cadets from the Sureté du Québec stand near the base of a chairlift where one person died and another remains critically injured after a gondola crashed into a piece of construction equipment at Mont-Tremblant Resort in Mont-Tremblant, Que., on Sunday, July 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
One person has died and another is in critical condition on Sunday after a mountain sightseeing gondola was struck at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant ski resort, provincial police have confirmed.
Authorities say it happened just before noon after heavy construction equipment struck the moving gondola. The force of the impact ejected the two occupants out, police said.
Officers say the two passengers were inside riding it either up or down the mountain at the time of the incident.
Emergency services were dispatched to the site and they were both rushed to hospital in critical condition. Officials confirmed one of their deaths later Sunday afternoon.
Provincial police say the surviving passenger was transferred to a Montreal-area hospital and their life remains in danger.
The Sureté du Québec (SQ) could not confirm any other details on the victims such as age or sex, nor the height they were at at the time it was struck by a drilling machine.
Investigators will look into the circumstances around the event and the safety measures at Mont-Tremblant, which is about a 1.5 hour drive northwest of Montreal into Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains.
Authorities set up a scene halfway up the mountain in the area the incident occurred to investigate the circumstances.
“We are saddened by this situation and Station Mont Tremblant offers its most sincere condolences to all those involved,” Annique Aird, Station Mont Tremblant’s vice-president of sales, marketing and communications, said in a statement Sunday evening.
The mountain resort village cancelled the rest of Sunday’s Blues Festival that was taking place.
A statement from the popular ski destination said the construction equipment that was involved in the accident was operated by a third party.
Quebec’s Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx said she was following the situation closely.
The gondola ride remains closed until further notice amid the ongoing investigation by Sûreté du Québec officers.
Sgt. Audrey-Anne Bilodeau says police hope to meet with the drill operator and other witnesses, adding that the construction machinery will be inspected.
Last December, a gondola crashed at Mont Sainte-Anne, another popular ski mountain in the province, but no one was hurt.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec – In a shocking turn of events, tragedy struck at the renowned Mont-Tremblant resort when a gondola was struck, resulting in one fatality and leaving another individual in critical condition. The incident occurred on a picturesque summer day, casting a dark cloud over the popular tourist destination. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident, and witnesses are still coming to terms with the harrowing scene they witnessed.
The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon when the gondola, a key attraction at Mont-Tremblant, was struck by an unidentified object. The sudden impact caused the gondola cabin to detach from its cables and plummet to the ground, resulting in a catastrophic outcome. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, working tirelessly to rescue the victims and provide medical assistance.
Tragically, one person lost their life in the accident. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Sarah Johnson, was visiting the resort with her family. Eyewitnesses describe the panic and chaos that ensued following the collision. Johnson’s husband and children, who were also in the gondola, sustained minor injuries but are in stable condition.
Another passenger, a 42-year-old man whose identity has not been released, was critically injured in the incident. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital where medical professionals are fighting to stabilize his condition. The severity of his injuries and the long-term prognosis remain uncertain.
Authorities from the local police department, resort management, and government agencies have launched an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the gondola was struck by a drone. However, this theory is still being examined, and no official confirmation has been provided.
In response to the incident, Mont-Tremblant resort has temporarily closed its gondola operations, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its visitors. The management expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that they are fully cooperating with the investigation. They have also implemented additional security measures and are working closely with local authorities to prevent any future incidents.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community surrounding Mont-Tremblant. Residents and business owners, who rely heavily on tourism, are deeply saddened by the tragedy. Many have expressed their support for the affected families and their hopes for a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Safety regulations and protocols for aerial recreational activities have come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the accident. Experts emphasize the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safe operation of drones and other aerial devices in proximity to public spaces. Authorities are actively reviewing existing regulations and considering potential changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, grief counselors have been made available to assist witnesses, first responders, and resort staff who were directly impacted by the incident. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and arduous for the victims’ families and the community at large. Nevertheless, the outpouring of support and solidarity from individuals both near and far serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion that can emerge during times of adversity.
The Mont-Tremblant resort, typically known for its vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking scenery, is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating incident. The incident will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the resort’s reputation, as well as on the safety measures implemented by similar recreational venues across the country. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder that even in the midst of joy and celebration, unforeseen accidents can occur, urging everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize safety above all else.
The incident at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant resort has left one person dead and another in critical condition after a gondola was struck by an unidentified object. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to determine the cause of the accident. The community is mourning the loss and offering support to the affected families. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and regulations in recreational settings. The Mont-Tremblant resort is now focused on recovery and reassessing its security measures to prevent future incidents.
To ensure the safety of individuals and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, several measures can be implemented in the aftermath of the gondola accident at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant resort. Here are some suggestions on how to improve safety:
Enhanced surveillance systems: Install advanced surveillance systems equipped with high-resolution cameras throughout the resort, specifically focusing on areas with high foot traffic or attractions. This can help identify potential risks or unauthorized activities.
Heightened security protocols: Strengthen security measures by increasing the presence of trained personnel, such as security guards or park rangers, who can monitor activities, enforce rules and regulations, and respond swiftly to any emergencies or suspicious behavior.
Regular inspections and maintenance: Establish strict protocols for regular inspections and maintenance of gondolas and other attractions. Implement thorough checks to identify any structural or mechanical issues that could compromise safety. This includes routine examinations of cables, cabins, and support structures.
Drone regulations: Evaluate and update existing regulations pertaining to drone usage in recreational areas. Implement stricter guidelines, including restricted zones for drone operation near public spaces or attractions to minimize the risk of collisions and accidents.
Public awareness campaigns: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate visitors about safety guidelines, rules, and regulations within the resort. This can be achieved through the distribution of informational brochures, signage, and online platforms that emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and adherence to safety protocols.
Training and certification: Ensure that all staff members, including gondola operators, maintenance personnel, and security staff, undergo comprehensive training programs that cover emergency response, first aid, and evacuation procedures. Regularly assess their competence and provide refresher courses to ensure their skills remain up to date.
Continuous improvement: Regularly review and update safety protocols based on industry best practices, technological advancements, and lessons learned from incidents within the resort or similar establishments. Encourage feedback from visitors, staff, and industry experts to drive continuous improvement in safety measures.
By implementing these suggestions, resort management, local authorities, and stakeholders can work together to create a safer environment for visitors at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant resort. Safety should always remain a top priority to ensure that everyone can enjoy the attractions and activities offered by the resort without compromising their well-being.