No criminal charges will be laid in connection with a deadly rollover in Jasper National Park on July 18, 2020. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

No criminal charges in fatal Columbia Icefields rollover

Dec 9, 2022 | 11:06 AM

JASPER, AB – No criminal charges will be laid in connection with a deadly rollover in Jasper National Park two years ago.

On July 18, 2020, responders tended to the Columbia Icefields after an ice explorer vehicle rolled down an embankment on the Athabasca Glacier. The rollover killed three of the 27 occupants in the vehicle.

The victims were a 24-year-old woman from Canoe Narrows, Saskatchewan; a 28-year-old woman from Edmonton; and a 58-year-old man from India. The names of the victims were not released.

Following the collision, an investigation was launched by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). In May 2022, it was reported that the tour bus operator involved in the rollover had been charged with eight counts under the OHS Act.

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On December 9, 2022, the RCMP provided an update on its own investigation, which was separate from the OHS investigation. Police said in consultation with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, it has been determined that no criminal charges are warranted in the investigation.

In a news release, the RCMP stated, “While the RCMP is aware of the charges resulting from the regulatory investigation, the criminal standard is high and the criminal investigation is independent, separate and parallel to the OH and S investigation.”

The RCMP added that its investigation is now closed.

“This investigation was of the utmost seriousness and was complex, both factually and legally. Our thoughts continue to go out to the families of the deceased and the injured, and to all who have been impacted by this tragedy,” police stated.

The RCMP said no further details can be shared at this time.

Police said all requested investigative material gathered during the criminal investigation was shared with the Ministry of Labour, as required by the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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