An 11-year-old boy is dead after two trees fell on a hut that he was in and crushed him.
The boy was attending Pines Bible Camp near Grand Forks when a severe thunderstorm swept through the area late Friday afternoon. High winds knocked a number of trees over during the storm.
RCMP say the boy was from Christina Lake. His name is not being released.
Several other children received minor injuries.
There were about 65 kids in attendance.
The B.C. Coroner’s Service is investigating.
Below is a verbatim statement from Pines Bible Camp:
Press release 21.07.12
Pines Bible Camp & Retreat Centre.
10005 North Fork Road Grand Forks V0H 1H info@pinesbiblecamp.com
Official Statement July 21st 2012
Gene Krahn – Executive Director
On July 20th 2012 at approximately 5pm, a severe windstorm came through Pines Bible Camp. Most of the trees in the main camp area came down, causing considerable damage to camp property and infrastructure.
All of the staff and campers were evacuated from the area to the safety of the designated Safe area as per camp emergency protocol. Only a few minor injuries were incurred during this time.
Unfortunately, prior to this, one camper and cabin leader were still in their cabin (Cabin 2) when a tree struck that building. The camper sustained serious injuries and did not recover from his injuries. EMS personnel were in attendance and he was taken to Grand Forks Emergency, but sadly, his injuries were too severe and he did not recover.
The cabin leader, escaped with only minor injuries and showed extreme courage and wisdom. We are so proud of our staff and the manner in which they carried out our evacuation.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends during this time of tragic loss. Words cannot express our deep sorrow and sense of loss. We would ask you to join with us in prayer as we come to terms with the events of yesterday.
The camp is currently closed, subject to safety assessments and we are asking that camp families watch for further updates from our website http://www.pinesbiblecamp.com or Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pinesbiblecampandretreatcentre
Plans are in hand to remove personal items for this week’s campers and we will advise you in due course as when this will be completed.
The Glanville Centre, opposite the High School in Grand Forks, will be open from 12 noon to 5pm today for anyone who needs to speak with trained family & social counsellors.
We want to thank our community and church & camp partners for their overwhelming messages of support and prayers. We also want to thank everyone for their patience during this very sad time here at Pines Bible Camp & Retreat Center.
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