A serene mountain hike turned deadly Thursday when a rockslide swept across a popular trail in Banff National Park, killing two and injuring three others.

A sudden landslide near Bow Glacier Falls sent massive rocks tumbling down a mountainside, trapping some hikers and forcing others to flee for their lives in a horrifying natural disaster in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, as the New York Post reports.

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon in Banff National Park, a breathtaking national park in Alberta, Canada, located along the Icefields Parkway. The rockslide took place near Bow Glacier Falls, which sits along a 9-kilometer (6-mile) moderate trail widely known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly terrain. The hike follows the shoreline of Bow Lake and attracts hundreds of visitors each week.

According to Niclas Brundell, who was hiking in the area with his wife, the ground-level tranquility turned into chaos with little warning. Brundell described seeing pebbles beginning to shift down the slope, quickly followed by a loud cracking noise as a massive section of rock came loose overhead. “Then we heard this, like, ‘chunk’ noise and the whole roof of the wall came loose,” he told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

In the seconds that followed, boulders plunged more than 160 feet wide and 30 feet deep down the mountainside. “I was yelling at my wife, ‘Go, go, go! We need to run as fast as we can,’” Brundell recalled. He and roughly 15 to 20 others turned and bolted down the trail, chased by a terrifying cloud of dust and debris.

Rescue teams battle tough terrain

Emergency teams arrived at the scene swiftly. Two injured hikers were airlifted out of the area, while a third was transported by ambulance. Though officials have not detailed the severity of their injuries, they confirmed no additional persons were missing by Friday morning. Parks Canada reported that all vehicles at the Bow Lake trailhead had been accounted for.

Helicopters hovered above the damaged terrain on Thursday, aiding in rescue and search operations. While initial reports indicated one fatality, search crews discovered a second victim the following morning. The second individual has not yet been publicly identified.

The first confirmed death was Jutta Hinrichs, a respected retired educator from the University of Alberta. She had spent more than three decades as an occupational therapist, including 25 years in teaching and administrative roles. Friends confirmed her identity and shared heartfelt tributes.

Beloved educator, adventurer lost

Hinrichs was deeply admired by her peers and students alike. A friend reminisced to Global News that she had “a beautiful, caring soul with a huge smile and love of people and nature.” Her passion for life and learning extended well beyond the classroom.

Just before the fatal hike, Hinrichs had returned from a trip to Peru. According to those close to her, she was living a full and exploratory life in retirement, embracing nature and travel with enthusiasm. Her death has left a void in the academic and occupational therapy communities in Alberta.

As of Friday, Parks Canada confirmed that no one else was believed to be trapped or missing. Investigators continue to assess the cause and risk of further movement in the area. Witness accounts indicate the rockfall may have been triggered by subtle precursors like minor pebble movement before the larger mass gave way.

Bow lake renowned for beauty

The area where the rockslide occurred is known for its picturesque views and accessibility, situated about 124 miles northwest of Calgary and roughly 85 miles from where the recent G7 summit was held in Kananaskis, Alberta. Despite being nestled in rugged terrain, the Bow Glacier Falls trail is usually considered safe for hikers of most levels.

Parks Canada routinely monitors geological risks but acknowledged that rockslides are difficult to predict. Although rare, such natural events can be catastrophic, especially when occurring without sufficient warning. The force and speed of Thursday’s slide suggest there would have been little opportunity for those in its path to react.

Brundell, who narrowly escaped the slide, described the event as surreal and life-altering. “We just kept sprinting, and I couldn’t see the people behind us anymore because they were all in that cloud of rock,” he said. “It was big -- it was like the full mountainside.”

Lessons to learn

1. Never Ignore Early Warning Signs: Small rock shifts or noises can be early indicators of larger geological shifts. As described by eyewitnesses, the slide began subtly. Recognizing and responding proactively to these alerts can save lives.

2. Know Your Terrain and Exit Plan: Even low to moderate trails can still present dangers, especially in alpine environments. Have a safety plan, know your route, and be aware of emergency procedures and possible exit points before starting your hike.

3. Preparedness Cannot Guarantee Safety: It’s important to understand that even by taking every precaution, nature is unpredictable. Accidents and tragedies can occur without warning. Rather than blaming victims, we should focus on honoring their memory by learning from the events.

Why this story matters

This tragedy speaks to the dangers present in even the most serene natural settings and highlights the importance of respecting the power of nature. Community members and hikers alike can benefit from increased awareness and preparation before venturing onto trails.

Hinrichs’ death is a significant loss for the University of Alberta community and those inspired by her decades-long dedication to education and health. Her passing underscores how quickly and unpredictably nature can change lives forever.

Stories like this also remind public officials and park managers of the critical responsibilities they hold in monitoring and conveying dangers in recreational spaces.