A driver on Yukon’s South Klondike Highway encountered rock slides that blocked the road as he was heading home to Skagway, Alaska. Brandon Palmer described the harrowing experience of rocks falling from the cliff above, with watermelon-sized rocks bouncing onto the road and blocking his path.
The two rock slides occurred Tuesday night, forcing the closure of the South Klondike Highway between Carcross, Yukon, and the B.C. border. Officials anticipate the highway may remain closed until the weekend and could be restricted to one lane upon reopening. Bobbie Milnes, Yukon’s assistant deputy minister of transportation, emphasized the seriousness of the situation and assured that all available resources would be utilized to expedite the road’s reopening.
Geologists are investigating the incident to determine the cause and extent of the slides. Although one of the slides covered both lanes, crews managed to clear a path through the ditch for stranded vehicles. Despite the road closure, there have been no reported injuries. However, the closure has impacted businesses like Wild Adventure Yukon, which relies on tourism traffic from Skagway.
Brandon Palmer, the driver who was temporarily trapped by the rock slides, recounted the nerve-wracking experience of moving rocks to clear a path. He described the event as both frightening and uniquely beautiful, expressing gratitude for being safe during the incident.