Two people are dead and three others injured following a devastating rockslide at Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park, Alberta. The slide occurred on Thursday, prompting an extensive emergency response involving aerial searches and infrared technology.
Parks Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed Friday that a second body was recovered. The first victim, a 70-year-old Calgary woman, was found dead at the scene on June 19. Officials are in the process of notifying next of kin and have not released further identifying details.
The three injured hikers have been hospitalized and are now in stable condition, according to CTV News. The incident has triggered temporary trail and highway closures as responders continue assessing the site’s safety.
The rockslide sent a massive plume of dust into the air, as captured in dramatic video footage from the scene. One hiker was seen scrambling over large boulders to escape the falling debris.
Search teams, including a geotechnical engineer, have been deployed to evaluate the risk of additional slides. Officials say no one else has been reported missing, and there were no unidentified vehicles at the trailhead, reducing concerns of more victims.
Authorities temporarily shut down Highway 93N near Bow Lake to facilitate rescue operations. While the Bow Lake and Bow Hut trails have reopened, the trail directly affected by the slide remains closed.
In a statement, Parks Canada and RCMP extended their condolences to the victims’ families and expressed hope for the full recovery of the injured. Canada’s national park authorities continue to remind visitors of the inherent natural risks associated with outdoor recreation in mountain environments.
