B.C.'s largest water park temporarily closed after 12 children hurt

Cultus Lake Waterpark, B.C.'s largest water park, announced Monday, June 15 that it would temporarily close following a serious incident that injured multiple guests, including children.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. in a queuing area near one of the rides at the Fraser Valley park. Twelve people were taken to hospital—two by air ambulance and ten by ground ambulance. All injured were in stable condition, and Chilliwack RCMP confirmed there is no ongoing risk to the public.

"We are deeply saddened by the incident which occurred today, resulting in injuries to a number of guests visiting the park, including children," the park said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims injured and families affected by this unfortunate event."

Online discussions pointed to an electrical shock as the cause of the injuries. BC Hydro confirmed there was an electrical issue but determined it originated on the customer's side of the electrical service, not within BC Hydro's infrastructure. Chilliwack RCMP investigators found no indication the event was caused by a person and do not believe it to be deliberate human action.

Cultus Lake Waterpark will remain closed through Wednesday, June 17 to allow for a thorough independent investigation. "We are fully cooperating with the authorities through the process of investigation and assessment. We are determined to ensure that something like this does not happen within our facility again," the park stated.