Collision Between Drilling Rig and Cable Car Results in Fatal Accident at Mont-Tremblant
Sûreté du Québec Determines Cause of Accident
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) announced on Monday that a collision with a drilling rig was the cause of the fatal accident that occurred at Mont-Tremblant on Sunday. According to SQ spokesperson Éric Cadotte, the presence of the drilling rig on the south side of the mountain in the morning remains unexplained. “We are unsure why it was circulating under the gondolas,” Cadotte said.
Sources have revealed that two cable cars were struck by the drilling rig: one was occupied by two people, and the other was empty.
Ontario Man Killed in the Accident
Two individuals from Ontario were in one of the cable cars at the time of the collision. They were ejected from the car and fell several meters to the ground, causing the death of a 50-year-old man named Sheldon Johnson. The woman who was accompanying him in the cable car has been transported to a hospital in Montreal, where she remains in critical condition.
The operator of the drilling rig, believed to be a subcontractor in his thirties, was attempting to move the rig in preparation for work scheduled for the next day. The accident occurred during this movement, and the operator suffered from nervous shock and was taken to the hospital. He will be questioned by the police.
Investigation and Industry Response
Authorities and CNESST Investigating the Incident
Investigators from both the SQ and the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) are working together to determine the causes and circumstances of the collision. Inspectors from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec have also conducted tests on the cable car where the incident occurred, to understand if all the equipment was in motion at the time of the accident.
No criminal charges have been filed in the case at this stage, and the police intend to interview the injured woman as soon as she is able to do so.
Mont-Tremblant Station Takes Precautions
Following the accident, Station Mont-Tremblant (SMT) has suspended cable car operations until further notice. Activities limited to the base of the mountain may resume shortly.
Annique Aird, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at SMT, stated that SMT is respecting protocols and that investigations will determine what happened. Aird acknowledged that the staff at SMT is going through a difficult time, with sudden and unexpected events impacting their operations.
Union Demands Answers
The Syndicat des travailleurs et des travailleuses de la Station du Mont-Tremblant, the union representing workers at the station, is questioning how such a dangerous maneuver could have taken place despite all the protocols in place. According to Benoit Fillion, the union’s president, workers are supposed to follow specific rules to avoid obstructing the operation of a mechanical lift when machinery is involved.
Ensuring Safety in Workplace Environments
Experts Call for Proper Risk Analysis and Training
Following the incident, experts in workplace safety and prevention emphasized the importance of conducting thorough risk analyses before undertaking any work and ensuring compliance with legal regulations in Quebec.
François Simard of Action SST and Équipe SST stressed the need for proper training and adherence to safety measures. He emphasized the significance of analyzing the workplace environment and potential risks before proceeding with any tasks. Taking the time to do things properly can often save lives.
Simard believes that there was likely a lapse in following necessary precautions, and while authorities and CNESST will investigate the incident, he notes that charges are rare in such cases.
Lessons for the Industry
This tragic accident highlights the importance of maintaining safety standards and ensuring strict adherence to regulations in the construction and transportation sectors. Proper risk assessment, training, and communication are vital in preventing accidents and protecting workers and the public.
The industry must learn from this incident and implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. Regular reviews of safety protocols and a commitment to ongoing training and education are crucial in reducing the risk of incidents like this one.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety
The collision between a drilling rig and a cable car at Mont-Tremblant is a devastating reminder of the importance of safety in all workplace environments. As authorities investigate the causes of this tragic accident, it is essential for the industry to prioritize risk assessment, adherence to regulations, and proper training to protect workers and the public. By learning from this incident, the goal should be to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in construction and transportation activities.
<< photo by Pixabay >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
