A construction equipment collision with a sightseeing gondola at the popular Mont-Tremblant resort has claimed the life of one man, while leaving a woman in critical condition, according to provincial police.
The incident occurred when a 911 call reported that construction machinery operated by a third party had struck the panoramic gondola, causing the two occupants to be ejected and fall several meters to the ground. The tragic event unfolded at the resort site, located approximately 130 kilometers northwest of Montreal.
Eric Cadotte, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), confirmed that a male occupant succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Meanwhile, the female occupant remains in a “very critically injured” and life-threatening condition, having been transported to a hospital in Montreal.
Both victims are not from the Mont-Tremblant area, and no further details about their identities have been released at this time.
SQ officers from the major crimes unit were dispatched to the scene, following standard protocol, to investigate the causes and circumstances of the crash. The Quebec workplace safety board, the CNESST, is collaborating with the police in their inquiry.
Investigators are exploring various potential causes for the accident, including the possibility of criminal negligence leading to death. The investigation is ongoing.
In response to the tragic incident, the Tremblant Resort Association announced on Facebook that its blues music festival and other activities for the day were canceled “out of respect for those involved.”
Annique Aird, a spokesperson for the resort, expressed deep sorrow for the incident, noting that it is the first time such an accident has occurred on the mountain. In an interview, Aird emphasized the resort’s close collaboration with the Sûreté du Québec and their commitment to assisting authorities in their investigation.
Fortunately, guests on other gondolas were safely evacuated without any issues. However, the resort has made the decision to close the gondolas “until further notice,” as confirmed by the spokesperson.
Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s Tourism Minister, took to Twitter to address the incident, referring to it as a “sad accident.” The minister assured the public that all relevant authorities are present at the scene, working to shed light on the matter. She further stated that they are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
As the investigation continues, the resort and authorities remain focused on providing support and understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Nous avons été informés d’un triste accident survenu au Mont-Tremblant. Toutes les autorités sont sur place pour faire la lumière et nous suivons la situation de près. https://t.co/jHPmPWG0ua
— Caroline Proulx (@caroaubureau) July 16, 2023