Photo: Paul Biris / Moment / Getty Images
A devastating rockslide struck Banff National Park on Thursday (June 19), leaving one hiker dead and three others injured. The incident occurred near Bow Glacier Falls, north of Lake Louise, as reported by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Parks Canada. The rockslide happened around 1:30 p.m., affecting up to 20 hikers in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Jutta Hinrichs, a retired clinical educator from the University of Alberta. Friends described her as a caring individual with a deep love for nature. The injured hikers were transported to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary by the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) helicopters and a ground ambulance, but their conditions remain unknown.
Eyewitnesses described the rockslide as a massive event, with a large shelf of stone breaking loose and creating a huge cloud of dust. Niclas Brundell, who was hiking nearby, told the CBC, "We heard this like 'chunk' noise and the whole roof of the wall came loose."
Parks Canada has closed Bow Lake to visitors due to the risk of further rockslides, and a no-fly zone has been established to ensure public safety. Rescue operations are ongoing, with search teams using drones and dog handlers to locate any additional missing hikers. The search will continue until all hikers are accounted for.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed her condolences to the families affected, saying, "We are thinking of all those involved and wishing for their safety as we await further details."