BANFF NATIONAL PARK – A rockfall is believed to have killed at least one person and seriously injured others near Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies have responded to a “serious rockfall with involvement”, including Parks Canada’s rescue crews who were flown by helicopter to the scene, arriving shortly after 2 p.m.
“Parks Canada is responding to a report of a serious rockfall incident with involvement near Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park,” said James Eastham, a Parks Canada spokesperson for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit in an email.
“Parks Canada visitor safety teams from Banff and Jasper national parks are responding, with support from other agencies.”
There are believed to be as many as 15-plus hikers struck by the rockfall near Bow Glacier Falls, a roughly nine-kilometre popular out-and-back hike from Bow Lake.
Bow Lake is located about 37 km north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 North.
Two STARS air ambulance helicopters have been dispatched from Calgary and Edmonton.
Kate Langille, communication specialist for STARS, said the crews have arrived back at their respective bases.
"I can confirm that STAR-1 from Calgary and STAR-3 from Edmonton were dispatched to an incident at Bow Glacier in Banff National Park," she said.
"Each helicopter transported one patient to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. Unfortunately, no information on patient condition is available at this time."
Cpl. Gina Slaney, an RCMP spokesperson, said Lake Louise RCMP were notified by Lake Louise Fire-Rescue at about 1:30 p.m.
She said the initial report indicated there were multiple hikers and there may be "serious injuries and/or fatalities."
“We have not confirmed that,” she said.
“It’s quite a ways off the beaten path and right now Parks Canada search and rescue are there.”
The Town of Banff responded to a request for assistance from Parks Canada and sent five fire-rescue personnel to help. The Town of Banff's emergency management director is also helping as liaison and planning support. Lake Louise Fire-Rescue is also on scene.
Alberta Health Services EMS confirmed they are working closely with its partners to respond to a reported incident at Bow Glacier Falls.
"As the situation is ongoing and involves multiple responding partners, no further updates will be provided at this time," said Shannon M. Shimek, AHS's executive director of communications.
Temporary closures are expected on the Icefields Parkway near Bow Lake to allow responders to work.
“Parks Canada asks that visitors avoid the area while teams respond,” said Eastham.
Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, said the provincial government is working closely with all relevant partners to respond to the situation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this incident," he said in a social media post.
"We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders and healthcare personnel for their swift and dedicated efforts."
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become known.
