Three more victims recovered from slide site

The mudslide near Duffy Lake in the B.C. Interior has claimed more lives.

RCMP say the bodies of three men were recovered Friday at the site along Highway 99 near Lillooet.

Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said the men had been confirmed as missing earlier this week.

“We have been continuing the search for one more man, however search efforts have been hampered by weather and site conditions. Our thoughts continue to be with all of those who have been impacted in this terrible tragedy,” said Shoihet.

Search efforts, which included a police service dog, have now concluded.

“All current search efforts have been exhausted and discussions are underway as to how and when, best to proceed,” said the RCMP spokesperson.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said these deaths were in addition to a woman found on Monday, Nov. 15.

“On Wednesday, Nov. 17, the team recovered another deceased individual, and two additional decedents were recovered on Thursday, Nov. 18,” said Lapointe. “Efforts continued Friday, Nov. 19 to locate a fifth person reported as missing, but unfortunately those attempts were unsuccessful. Despite incredibly challenging conditions, the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by everyone involved in the search are a testament to the professionalism of each organization, and I wish to recognize the significant efforts of our partners throughout this difficult time.”

Meantime the province has announced that Highway 99 is now open for people travelling for essential purposes only, connecting the Lower Mainland to Pemberton, Lillooet and the Interior.

Essential purposes for travel are defined in the Travel Restrictions Order through the Emergency Program Act. Checkpoints will be in place and travel restrictions will be enforced.

Weight restrictions are in place on this route from just north of Pemberton through to the community of Lillooet. This route is a steep mountainous road with narrow sections and sharp curves. High volumes of commercial vehicles cannot be safely accommodated.

Regular passenger vehicles such as cars, SUVs, vans and trucks under gross vehicle weight of 14,500 kilograms are able to travel on this corridor. Vehicles over the weight restriction are directed to use Highway 3, which opened to essential travel on Friday, Nov. 19.

Since the highway closure on Nov. 15, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff and highway maintenance contractors have worked tirelessly to remove debris, repair road surfaces and reopen this route.

Delays can be expected and some sections of open roads may be single-lane alternating. For the most current road conditions, please check DriveBC.ca.