What began as a routine drive through one of British Columbia’s most picturesque routes turned tragic on November 15, when a powerful mudslide swept across Highway 99 near Lillooet. The sudden collapse of earth and rock claimed four lives and left one person missing, transforming a familiar roadway into a scene of devastation within moments.
The slide thundered down a mountainside without warning, burying vehicles in mud and debris and giving motorists no chance to escape. Emergency crews rushed to the area despite unstable terrain and the risk of further slides, working under extremely dangerous conditions to search for survivors.
Over several days, responders recovered the bodies of four victims—three men and one woman. Search efforts for a fifth person continued until experts determined the ground was too unstable to proceed safely, leading authorities to suspend the operation with little hope of survival.
The closure of Highway 99 has disrupted travel and commerce across the region, while investigators assess what caused the slide. Early findings point to saturated soil and recent weather conditions, highlighting growing concerns about landslide risks in mountainous areas.
For families and the wider community, the loss has been profound. Tributes have poured in, honoring those who lost their lives and underscoring the human cost behind the tragedy. As the highway remains closed, the disaster stands as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the fragile balance between daily life and the powerful forces of the land.