A tragic mudslide in British Columbia has resulted in the recovery of three additional victims as authorities continue efforts to account for everyone affected by the disaster.
According to officials, search teams located one deceased individual on Wednesday and recovered two more bodies on Thursday near the mudslide site south of Lillooet, British Columbia. The discoveries followed an extensive search operation involving law enforcement, rescue personnel, and specialized recovery teams.
The incident occurred after severe rainfall triggered flooding and landslides across parts of southern British Columbia, causing significant damage to roads, infrastructure, and nearby communities.
Earlier in the week, authorities recovered the body of a woman from the same area, marking the first confirmed fatality connected to the disaster.
Despite continued efforts, one individual remains missing.
Search crews spent several days combing through the challenging terrain, but difficult weather conditions and unstable ground complicated recovery operations. Officials confirmed that extensive search efforts were conducted, though no additional individuals were located during the latest operations.
B.C. Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families who are grieving the sudden loss of their loved ones and to the family of the individual who remains missing,” Lapointe said in a statement.
Authorities are currently working to formally identify the victims and notify their next of kin.
The mudslide occurred along a section of Highway 99, also known as Duffey Lake Road, an important transportation route through the region. The disaster left portions of the highway severely damaged and inaccessible.
Officials say the affected area remains unstable, making recovery efforts both difficult and dangerous. Search and rescue personnel, supported by law enforcement agencies, have worked continuously to assess the site and recover victims where possible.
Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the RCMP noted that weather conditions and the challenging landscape have complicated the search for the remaining missing individual.
The highway remains closed, and transportation authorities have not yet announced when it may safely reopen.
The flooding and landslides that struck British Columbia have been among the province’s most serious natural disasters in recent years, affecting numerous communities and disrupting transportation networks across the region.
Officials continue to monitor conditions and evaluate next steps while supporting families impacted by the tragedy.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mudslide remains ongoing.