(Sunday, April 18, 4:45 p.m.) This article has been updated with a statement from the Comox Valley RCMP.

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Three youths were taken to hospital after suffering stab wounds at a bush party in Comox Saturday (April 17).

Capt. Pascal Lafreniere of Comox Fire Rescue was the duty officer in charge when the fire hall received the call for assistance.

鈥淲e got the call at about 10:05 p.m.,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here is 鈥� a sandpit in the area of Pritchard and Cambridge. The party had dispersed by the time we arrived. There was a heavy RCMP presence. There were still people in the area but they were getting interviewed by RCMP.

鈥淲e had a couple of members assist BC Ambulance but I was not hands-on so I can鈥檛 give you any more details.鈥�

Ambulance Paramedics of BC president Troy Clifford confirmed there were three victims, two of whom were ultimately airlifted to hospital.

鈥淭hree teens were injured - we believe stabbings 鈥� two of them were flown out, the other one taken by road,鈥� said Clifford. 鈥淭here were three ambulances from Courtenay and Cumberland that responded, along with the other agencies. I can鈥檛 speak for the extent of the injuries but the fact that they were flown out and also taken to hospital obviously there were serious enough injuries to warrant a medevac out. I don鈥檛 know the extent of their current conditions.鈥�

鈥淭hese are always challenging calls for paramedics and paramedics and first responders, especially when it involves young people. By all indications the crews and first responders did an excellent job.鈥�

Comox Mayor Russ Arnott was saddened to hear of the incident.

鈥淲e at the Town, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. As we get more information, we will update the community.鈥�

In a statement issued late Sunday afternoon, the Comox Valley RCMP confirmed one suspect was arrested and remains in custody.

According to the statement, the victims all sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital by Emergency Health Services. They are all in stable condition and expected to recover.

鈥淭he school district has activated their critical incident response team which will be available to support students, families, and staff after this alarming incident,鈥� said Const. Monika Terragni, media relations officer, Comox Valley RCMP.

The Comox Valley RCMP Major Crime Unit is continuing the investigation.

The article will be updated as more information becomes available.

The article will be updated as more information becomes available.

terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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