B.C. community reeling after 'tragic' bear attack involving kids
A B.C. community is reeling after a grizzly bear attack left numerous people injured, some critically.
According to a statement Daily Hive received from the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), the attack occurred on Thursday, Nov. 20.
B.C. Emergency Health Services responded to a call it received at around 1:46 p.m. The call was about an animal attack on a trail near Highway 20 in Bella Coola.
“Two ambulances and a community paramedic responded to the scene,” PHSA told Daily Hive.
When paramedics arrived, they provided emergency treatment to four patients, transporting them to the hospital.
“Two patients were in critical condition, and two were in serious condition. A further seven people were cared for at the scene but did not require hospital transport,” PHSA said.
Weather conditions made the emergency response difficult, as PHSA informed us that the aircraft wasn’t able to land in the community, and patients needed to be transported via ground ambulance to Williams Lake Airport.
“Critical care paramedics then transported the patients via air ambulance to hospital.”
There are still four patients in the hospital, and the families of the patients have asked for privacy and that PHSA refrain from sharing details about their conditions.
Acwsalcta School posted a notice about the incident on its Facebook page yesterday.
“It’s hard to know what to say during this very difficult time. We are so grateful for our team and our students.”
The post said that due to the bear incident, the school was closed today.
“To our parents and families: thank you for your patience, understanding, and trust during this time. We know how frightening it is to receive news of an emergency involving your child,” the school said in an update today.
Yesterday, the Nuxalk Nation Chief and Council said that the bear had still not been found.
It shared more in an update earlier today.
“We are all hurting during this difficult time following the bear attack that has impacted our children and so many of our loved ones. Those who responded immediately and cared for the injured showed bravery, love, and deep compassion,” the Nation said.
“We are thinking of all the patients, families, community members, first responders, healthcare workers and others impacted by the tragic incident in Bella Coola yesterday. We are wishing everyone involved peace, strength, and healing,” PHSA added.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks will be providing an update at 2 p.m. today, and we’ll update this article with any pertinent details that emerge from it.