BANFF – Two people died in a rockfall at Bow Glacier Falls, stated police and Parks Canada in a joint media release.
Police said a 70-year-old Calgary woman died in the rockfall and a second person was recovered on Friday morning. Police said they were notifying next of kin and no additional information was available.
Three people were taken to hospital by STARS air ambulance and paramedics were all in stable condition, according to police.
“At this time, there are no additional persons reported missing and no additional unidentified vehicles at the trailhead located at Bow Lake,” stated a joint RCMP and Parks Canada release.
“Parks Canada and RCMP extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the two individuals who lost their lives, our hearts are with them. Our thoughts also remain with those in hospital and we hope for their full recovery.”
According to the Slow & Steady Hikers group, one of their members died in the rockslide, while another member broke her arm.
"The rest of our group is uninjured," wrote member Andy Dragt in a social media post.
Canada Task Force Two, a national disaster response team, has been brought in to help search for any missing hikers following a deadly rockfall at Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park Thursday (June 20).
The rockfall, which happened at about 12:40 p.m., left at least one person dead and three others injured. A search continues for any missing hikers Friday, June 20, which began at first light after shutting down as darkness fell last night. First responders continue to be on site and search and rescue operations continued at 6:30 a.m.
National park law enforcement wardens and RCMP remained on scene overnight.
While the forecast calls for heavy snow in the area today as a storm comes through, Parks Canada officials say national park rescuers will continue working with support from Canada Task Force Two (CAN-TF2 Calgary).
“CAN-TF2 is conducting infrared flights, through their partners in the Calgary Police Service, in a continued effort to complete a thorough assessment,” according to a joint RCMP-Parks Canada news release Friday morning.
“A Canada Task Force One (CAN-TF1 Vancouver) geotechnical engineer will conduct a slope stability assessment. The safety of first responders and park visitors is our top priority.”
Drones and search dogs are also being used to try to locate any missing people.
RCMP say they are working to notify next of kin.
STARS air ambulance dispatched two helicopters – one from Calgary and one from Edmonton. Two patients were flown to Calgary's Foothills Medical Centre. A third patient was taken to a hospital by ground ambulance.
There were reportedly about 20 people in the area immediately below Bow Glacier Falls, a nine-km out-and-back trail from Bow Lake, located about 37 km north of Lake Louise, when the large rockfall occurred, sending debris and plumes of dust.
“If you are missing a loved one, please contact Parks Canada’s Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470,” states a news release.
Bow Lake remains closed to all visitors.
A NOTAM, or no-fly zone, remains in place to ensure public safety and for park operations.
“Parks Canada and RCMP thank visitors for giving teams space to work safely,” states the news release..
The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 North, remains open with potential intermittent, short-term traffic stoppages in the vicinity of the incident.
