Highway 99 mudslide.
Image Credit: Ministry of Transportation
November 20, 2021 - 9:15 AM
The RCMP has found the bodies of three men yesterday while one remains missing following a mudslide on Highway 99.
The body of a woman was first found Monday, Nov. 15.
On Wednesday, Nov. 17, the search team recovered another body of a man and two more bodies were recovered on Thursday, Nov. 18. "Efforts continued Friday, Nov. 19 to locate a fifth person reported as missing, but unfortunately those attempts were unsuccessful," according to a statement from the B.C. Coroners Service.
READ MORE: One body found in B.C. highway landslide, more missing: RCMP
"Over the preceding couple of days, the RCMP has been working closely with Emergency Management B.C., Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, B.C. Coroners Service and the Pemberton and Lillooet Search and Rescue teams to locate, extract and conclusively identify the three men and notify their next of kin," said Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the B.C. RCMP, in a press release.
"These three men were amongst those whom we confirmed were missing earlier this week."
Police officers are still searching for one more missing man but search efforts have been hampered by weather and site conditions, she said.
"Our thoughts continue to be with all of those who have been impacted in this terrible tragedy."
Search efforts, which included a police service dog continued throughout the remainder of Friday morning, Nov. 19, but have concluded.
"All current search efforts have been exhausted and discussions are underway as to how and when, best to proceed," she said.
The area remains closed to motorists and there is no timeline when the road may be open. The RCMP is encouraging the public to continue to monitor DriveB.C. for the most up to date information.
- This story was updated at 9:50 a.m. to include a statement from the B.C. Coroners Service.
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