One person has died and three people were injured after an avalanche struck a group of five heliskiiers in northern B.C. on Tuesday afternoon.
The disaster took place near the Bell 2 Lodge, roughly 150 kilometres north of Stewart. BC Emergency Health Services was notified of the avalanche at 3:37 p.m., and met the heliskiing operator in Stewart, transporting one patient to hospital via air ambulance, it said in a Tuesday statement.
Last Frontier Heliskiing, which operated the tour, described the incident as “tragic.”
“Our thoughts are with families and friends impacted by this tragedy,” it told Global News.
“We want to thank our team members, colleagues and nearby operators who assisted with the response. Our focus right now is looking after our guests, their families, and our team members.”
In an email to Global News, the BC Coroners Service said it has launched an investigation into the fatality. Last Frontier Heliskiing said it is working with authorities as the incident is reviewed.
According to Avalanche Canada, avalanche risks in the region were “considerable” on Tuesday at the alpine and treeline levels.
A considerable risk rating means conditions are dangerous, and, while natural avalanches are possible, human-triggered avalanches are likely. Avalanches large and small are expected.
Stewart is located along the southern tip of the Alaskan panhandle, and is about a 3.5-hour drive north from Terrace.
— With files from Kareem Gouda