Incident Overview

In a distressing turn of events, the popular Bright Nights holiday train at Stanley Park has been temporarily shut down following a serious "worker safety incident," according to an urgent statement from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation released on Saturday.

Operations Suspended

The park board confirmed that operations are suspended due to an incident involving a train operator that occurred late Friday night. Safety protocols are now in place as the city's occupational health and safety team launches a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. To prioritize the welfare of its staff, train operations will remain halted during this process.

WorkSafeBC Involvement

Curiously, the announcement did not mention whether WorkSafeBC, the provincial authority responsible for investigating workplace injuries and safety matters, has been engaged in this incident. CTV News has reached out for more information but has yet to receive a response.

Impact on Visitors

To mitigate the impact on families and guests, the park board is actively working to notify patrons who had weekend and early next week reservations. They will be offering refunds for those who planned to enjoy this cherished holiday attraction. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment caused to those hoping to partake in this beloved tradition," the statement expressed.

Holiday Train Popularity

The Bright Nights train is a Vancouver holiday staple, with tickets selling out in less than 24 hours after their release earlier in November, despite significant online queue challenges that frustrated many eager participants.

Concurrent Weather Issues

This train closure coincides with the broader suspension of activities in Stanley Park due to severe weather conditions. High winds prompted the park board to implement precautionary measures, particularly as severe gusts pose risks to both visitors and the park's well-being. Recent weather patterns have resulted in numerous tree failures, and Saturday’s forecast predicted wind speeds that could cause further safety hazards.

Regional Weather Warnings

On Saturday morning, the Stanley Park Causeway faced a brief closure after a fallen tree obstructed the road. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings across the South Coast, affecting regions such as Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, Greater Victoria, and Vancouver Island. Gusts are anticipated to reach up to 100 km/h before subsiding later in the day.

Further Updates

For the latest updates on this developing situation, stay tuned to local news outlets as the investigation unfolds and further details emerge regarding the safety incident and operational status of the Bright Nights holiday train.