Tragedy strikes near Bow Lake in Banff as rockfall kills one and injures three. Rescue efforts continue amid closures and high alert in the area.
Fatal Rockfall Shocks Popular Hiking Trail in Banff
A sudden rockfall at Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park on Thursday afternoon claimed one life and left three others injured, according to officials from the RCMP and Parks Canada. The rockfall struck around 1:30 p.m., impacting numerous hikers along a well-traveled trail just southwest of Bow Lake, approximately 37 kilometres north of Lake Louise.
Emergency Response Mobilized in Remote Mountain Terrain
First responders, including the Lake Louise Fire Department, Parks Canada, RCMP, STARS Air Ambulance, and EMS, rushed to the scene. One individual was confirmed dead at the site. Three others were transported to hospital—one via ground ambulance and two airlifted to Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre by STARS helicopters dispatched from Calgary and Edmonton. Their current conditions remain undisclosed.
Trail Closures and Airspace Restrictions Enforced
Authorities have closed the Bow Lake trail and established a no-fly zone over the affected area. Although the Icefields Parkway remains open, drivers should anticipate brief traffic interruptions. Search and recovery operations using drones and trained dogs are continuing and will resume at first light on Friday.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Harrowing Escape
Niclas Brundell, a hiker from Canmore, was on the trail with his wife during the incident. He described seeing small rocks fall, followed by a loud cracking sound as a large section of the mountainside gave way. “We just started sprinting down,” Brundell recounted. “I saw a cloud of dust and people swallowed up in it. It looked like the entire slope collapsed.”
Using an emergency satellite device, Brundell was able to contact rescuers, alerting them that many groups were still in the vicinity of the rockfall.
Leaders Express Condolences, Urge Caution
Parks Canada President Ron Hallman expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, offering condolences to those affected. Federal and provincial leaders, including Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, also conveyed their support to the victims and praised the emergency teams for their swift response.
Hiking Safety Under Renewed Scrutiny
Bow Glacier Falls is a renowned and accessible hiking destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Officials are reminding all park visitors to check trail conditions, obey posted warnings, and carry emergency communication devices, especially in remote alpine terrain.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
