The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have officially identified the second victim of the devastating rock slide that occurred in Banff National Park on Thursday as a 33-year-old man hailing from Surrey, British Columbia.
His remains were recovered at approximately 9:00 AM on Friday from the slide site, which is located near the picturesque Bow Glacier Falls, roughly 37 kilometers north of the iconic Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Recovery efforts were hampered by nightfall on Thursday, with search and rescue teams having to delay resuming until geotechnical engineers could assess the stability of the area and clear it for safe access.
While the RCMP has withheld the victim’s name officially, Khaled Elgamal, 28, a friend of the deceased, has publicly identified him as Hamza Benhilal. Elgamal shared details of the tragic event, revealing that he and Benhilal, a qualified engineer, were exploring Banff National Park when they were caught in the avalanche.
According to Elgamal, they heard the unmistakable sound of rocks giving way and instinctively began to flee. Tragically, Benhilal was struck by falling debris and killed instantly. Elgamal himself sustained serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis and shoulder, and is currently receiving treatment in a Calgary hospital.
The rock slide occurred around 1:30 PM on Thursday, impacting multiple hikers who were enjoying the popular trail. The situation was “pretty chaotic,” according to one witness who spoke on social media shortly after the event.
“The noise was deafening. One moment you’re admiring the view, the next you’re running for your life.” – @HikingHiker on X.com.
Jutta Hinrichs, a 70-year-old woman from Calgary, was also killed in the slide. Her body was recovered on Thursday.
Besides the fatalities, three other individuals sustained injuries. Two were critically injured and subsequently airlifted to a Calgary hospital, while the third was transported by ground ambulance for medical attention.
The incident raises concerns about safety protocols in areas prone to natural hazards. Park officials have temporarily closed several trails in the vicinity of Bow Glacier Falls as they conduct a thorough assessment of the area’s stability. They plan to issue a detailed report with recommendations on how to mitigate future risks.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the tight-knit community in Surrey, BC, where Benhilal was a respected member. Friends and colleagues have been sharing tributes on social media, remembering him as a kind, intelligent, and adventurous individual.
“Hamza was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. He always had a smile on his face and was eager to help others. This is a terrible loss.” – A post on Facebook by a former colleague.
For those who knew and loved Hamza, the shock is profound. “We didn’t realize it until later,” a close family friend shared, “how much joy he brought into our lives.”
- Victim 1: Jutta Hinrichs, 70, from Calgary
- Victim 2: Hamza Benhilal, 33, from Surrey, B.C.
- Injured: Three individuals, two airlifted, one by ground ambulance.
- Location: Bow Glacier Falls, Banff National Park.
- Current Status: Trails in the vicinity remain closed.
The interplay between the allure of nature’s beauty and the potential for sudden, devastating danger is a poiniant reminder of the risks involved in exploring wild spaces. While Banff National Park remains a beloved destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, this incident underscores the importance of preparedness, awareness, and adherence to safety guidelines. The RCMP is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the rock slide.
With files from The Canadian Press.