Authorities confirmed that a man died and a woman was severely injured after a sudden collision between a gondola and a piece of construction machinery at a ski resort.
The incident occurred at Mont-Tremblant Resort, Quebec, on Sunday, July 16.
The two passengers were ejected from a sightseeing gondola when it came into contact with a drilling machine.
Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson, Eric Cadotte, detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident, expressing concern about why a drilling machine was operating underneath the gondolas on a Sunday. He further stated that the incident was severe, with part of the gondola ripped off, and that the victims fell several meters to the ground due to the force of the impact.
According to the SQ, Sheldon Johnson, 50, was thrown from the gondola when the machine struck. He fell hard onto the ground, resulting in his death. The female victim, identified as Marichu Gadong-Gleyo, is currently in critical condition in the hospital. The machine operator was treated for shock. The possibility of criminal negligence has not been immediately ruled out.
Provincial police are in the process of conducting an investigation, which involves interviewing witnesses, resort employees, and the person operating the drilling machine.
In a Facebook post, the Mont-Tremblant Resort Association announced that all activities at the resort have been suspended following the incident. Confirming the accident, the Association expressed regret, and Annique Aird, vice president of sales, marketing, and communications, conveyed condolences to all those affected.