Student killed during Vancouver Island wilderness camp field trip

A middle school student has died after an accident during a field trip at a wilderness camp on the south end of Vancouver Island on Wednesday afternoon.

Another student is in critical but stable condition, according to BC Emergency Health Services.

Emergency crews, including an air ambulance, were called to a serious incident at Camp Barnard near Sooke, B.C., just after 3:30 p.m. PT.

Officials with the Otter Point Volunteer Fire Department said they were called to the camp after a report that a boy was trapped under a tree.

One person was seen being transported by ambulance while rescuers attempted CPR on another person on a nearby river bank, The Canadian Press reported.

Shelley Green, superintendent of Greater Victoria School District No. 61, said the student who died was from Lansdowne Middle School.

‘Saddened by the loss’

The deceased student’s age and gender are not yet known.

“It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our learning community,” Green said in a letter posted on the district’s website late Wednesday.

“We are saddened by the loss to our school community.”

Green said counsellors are available for students and staff who may need assistance.

Camp Barnard is on Otter Point, west of Sooke, a municipality west of Victoria.

The camp is used year-round by youth and adult organizations for camping and day-use activities.

The RCMP did not immediately return CBC News requests for comment.