The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have confirmed the identity of the second victim of Thursday’s fatal rock slide in Banff National Park. He was a 33-year-old man hailing from Surrey, British Columbia.
Recovery efforts concluded around 9:00 a.m. Friday when his body was retrieved from the debris field near Bow Glacier Falls. The site is approximately 37 kilometers north of Lake Louise, situated along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), a route known for its stunning, but sometimes treacherous, landscape. While authorities initially withheld the victim’s name, details have since emerged through personal channels.
Khaled Elgamal, 28, identified himself as a close friend of the deceased, naming him as Hamza Benhilal, a trained engineer. Elgamal recounted their shared visit to Banff National Park, painting a picture of what started as a leisurely trip turning into tragedy. “We heard this incredibly loud rumbling,” Elgamal posted on X.com Friday evening, “and we knew instantly it was a rockslide. We just started running.”
Benhilal was fatally struck by falling rock, while Elgamal sustained severe injuries. He is currently recovering in a Calgary hospital, nursing a fractured pelvis and shoulder. “I blinked twice,” Elgamal continued in his post. “And when I could see again, everything was different.”
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, impacting multiple hikers traversing the area. The terrain’s instability complicated rescue operations, creating hazardous conditions for first responders.
- Confirmed Fatalities: Hamza Benhilal (33, Surrey, B.C.), Jutta Hinrichs (70, Calgary)
- Location: Bow Glacier Falls, Banff National Park (approx. 37 km north of Lake Louise)
- Injuries: Three individuals were injured; two airlifted to Calgary hospital, one transported by ground ambulance.
- Cause: Rock slide; ongoing investigation into contributing factors.
Another victim, Jutta Hinrichs, 70, of Calgary, was recovered Thursday. The slide highlights the inherent dangers of traversing mountainous terrain, particularly during periods of thawing or heavy rainfall, which can destabilize rock formations.
Search and rescue teams faced significant challenges due to darkness and the unstable nature of the slide area. The recovery of Benhilal’s body was delayed until Friday morning pending a thorough assessment by a geotechnical engineer. This assessment ensured the safety of rescue personnel before they could begin clearing the significant amount of debris.
Three other hikers suffered injuries. Two were airlifted to a Calgary hospital for urgent medical care, while the third was transported by ground ambulance. Details regarding their conditions remain limited, however hospital officials have confirmed that all three are recieving care.
The Icefields Parkway is a renowned scenic route, attracting thousands of tourists each year. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with venturing into natural environments. Parks Canada officials are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the rock slide, aiming to identify any pre-existing geological warning signs and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. On social media, the incident has sparked considerable debate on balancing access to natural wonders with ensuring public safety.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of mountain environments. The RCMP and Parks Canada continue to investigate, and further updates are expected as the assesment progresses. The hearts of many go out to the victim’s families.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragic event,” a Parks Canada spokesperson stated in a press release Friday afternoon. “We are committed to providing support and assistance during this difficult time.”