FIELD, B.C. — Two workers have been injured in a rock slide in Yoho National Park that has closed the Trans-Canada Highway for an extended period.
RCMP say the slide happened Monday west of Field, B.C., and that traffic has been stopped in both directions.
Parks Canada says in a news release the slide occurred at a rock scaling site, a process that industry websites describe as the removal of loose rock from a slope.
It says the workers were drilling holes to place explosives when the slide occurred.
The release says 10,000 cubic metres of rock and debris fell, and that a geotechnical assessment was underway Tuesday to make sure it would be safe for workers to clear the roadway.
Parks Canada says the two injured workers were both transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“Parks Canada’s thoughts are with the individuals and we wish them a speedy recovery,” the release stated.
A photo of the slide shows two pieces of loading equipment among the debris — the one in the foreground appeared visibly mangled.
Parks Canada spokeswoman Lindsay McPherson said in an email that both pieces of equipment were involved in the slide, but she didn’t know whether the injured workers were in them when it happened.
RCMP said in a news release Tuesday the closure could last up to 72 hours.