Three men have been found dead in a mudslide near Lillooet, British Columbia, with one person still missing after search efforts this week, authorities said.
Search and Recovery Efforts
The bodies were recovered following severe flooding and landslides that struck the southern region of the province last weekend, triggered by extreme rainfall. A woman’s body was also recovered from the site earlier, marking the first confirmed fatality from the disaster.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Royal Canadian Mounted Police and emergency crews have been working to locate the fourth missing individual since the mudslide struck an area south of Lillooet on Highway 99. Search operations continued throughout the week despite difficult conditions.
Official Response
Officials said adverse weather and challenging site conditions have complicated efforts to find the missing person. The area remains closed to vehicular traffic, with no timeline given for when the highway will reopen.
Official Response
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe released a statement on Saturday confirming the recoveries. “I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who are now grieving the sudden and unexpected death of their loved one, and to the family of the missing person we have so far been unable to locate,” Lapointe said.
This story has been updated
Authorities are working to identify the three men and notify their families. The BC Coroners Service said it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This story has been updated. CNN’s British Columbia Bureau contributed to this report.
