B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe stated that one body was retrieved on Wednesday, with two additional bodies found on Thursday. A fourth individual is still unaccounted for, despite ongoing search operations, which were eventually suspended after all possible avenues were explored.
Earlier this week, on Monday, the body of a woman was found at the slide site, representing the first confirmed death resulting from the landslides and flooding in the area.
Search operations, conducted by the RCMP and rescue teams, have encountered significant difficulties due to hazardous site conditions and persistent adverse weather. Authorities are currently engaged in identifying the deceased and informing their families.
“I offer my sincere condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones,” stated Lapointe in a press release. “This year has proven to be exceptionally difficult for all of us in B.C.”
The B.C. Coroners Service is actively investigating the deaths and intends to provide recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.
Highway 99 remains closed, with no estimated timeline for its reopening. The region continues to pose risks for drivers due to the unstable terrain.
This incident is part of a series of weather-related disasters that have led to significant disruption throughout southern B.C., highlighting the increasing effects of extreme climate events on local communities.
