Three bodies were recovered following a mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, though one person remains missing after an extensive search operation.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and search-and-rescue crews spent several days combing debris-strewn areas near Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, after the massive slide swept through the region on November 15. The mudslide deposited large quantities of earth, rocks and debris across the area, creating hazardous conditions for emergency responders. Crews faced significant challenges throughout the operation, including unstable ground, severe weather and the risk of additional landslides.
“Difficult weather and hazardous terrain presented substantial obstacles for investigators and search teams,” B.C. RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said search teams continued efforts to locate the remaining missing person through Friday. Authorities ended the active search operation after determining that available search options had been exhausted.
Victim Identification Underway
The identities of the three deceased men have not yet been publicly released. Officials are working to formally identify the victims and notify their families before providing further details. The tragedy occurred as parts of southern British Columbia dealt with extreme rainfall, flooding and landslides that caused widespread damage.
A woman’s body had previously been recovered from another portion of the affected area, bringing the confirmed death toll to four. The affected section of Highway 99 remains closed, leaving motorists unable to travel through the impacted area. Authorities have not established a firm timetable for reopening the highway, which is an important transportation link through the region.
Investigation Continues
The BC Coroners Service is continuing its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether lessons can be identified to reduce risks from similar disasters in the future. This story has been updated. CNN’s British Columbia Desk contributed to this report.
