Search for victims resumes after massive rockfall near Bow Lake in Banff National Park

Rescuers in Alberta were scheduled to resume their search for any potential missing individuals following a tragic rockfall incident in Banff National Park. The rockfall resulted in one fatality and left three others injured. Parks Canada visitor safety teams, in collaboration with Canada Task Force Two (CAN-TF2 Calgary), a national disaster response team, are working diligently to assess the site and ensure the safety of all involved.

A geotechnical engineer from Canada Task Force One will be conducting a slope stability assessment to evaluate the area. The safety of both first responders and park visitors is of utmost importance during this operation. Additionally, infrared flights are being conducted in the vicinity with the assistance of members from the Calgary Police Service.

Authorities are currently in the process of notifying the next of kin of the deceased individual, and further details regarding the victim have not been disclosed. The incident was reported to Lake Louise RCMP around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, alerting them to multiple hikers caught in the rockfall near Bow Glacier Falls.

Upon receiving the report, a joint effort involving Parks Canada, the Lake Louise fire department, STARS Air Ambulance, the RCMP, and EMS swiftly responded to the scene. STARS dispatched two helicopters – STAR-1 from Calgary and STAR-3 from Edmonton – to airlift one patient each to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. The current conditions of the injured individuals have not been disclosed.

As a precautionary measure, Bow Lake has been closed to visitors, and a no-fly zone has been established to ensure public safety and allow for uninterrupted park operations. Visitors staying at Bow Hut, including Alpine Club of Canada guests, are reportedly safe and will be able to depart as scheduled through the unaffected and secure route.

Although the incident has caused temporary traffic stoppages in the vicinity, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) remains open for travel. Bow Glacier Falls, located approximately three kilometres southwest of Bow Lake, is a popular hiking destination accessible via a well-known trail.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the importance of safety protocols in outdoor activities. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as the search and recovery efforts continue in Banff National Park.