Tragic Incident Unfolds as Hillside Collapse Claims Lives of Two Children near Shasta Dam in Northern California
In a devastating turn of events, two juveniles lost their lives when a portion of a hillside collapsed near the Shasta Dam and river in Northern California on Thursday, according to a statement from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m., as the children became trapped amidst the rocks and debris that cascaded down the hillside downstream of the Shasta Dam. The bodies were later recovered, and the water level from the dam was reduced to aid in the search efforts.
“The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and allied agencies extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” expressed the sheriff’s office in a heartfelt statement, refraining from immediate disclosure of the victims’ names and ages.
Authorities were alerted to the incident at the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area, known for its hilly terrain and overlooks of the Sacramento River, where camping is permitted. Responders from the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the area, rushed to the scene to address the reported rock and debris slide.
The Shasta Dam, towering at approximately 600 feet, spans the river and creates Shasta Lake, a significant reservoir north of Redding. As investigations unfold, questions arise about how the children ended up in the water. The sheriff’s office did not confirm whether recent heavy rains in California played a role in the hillside collapse, but the region has experienced substantial rainfall this month, saturating the ground.
An ongoing investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, Redding and the Shasta area recorded over 4 inches of rain in the recent storm, with additional precipitation reported in the preceding weeks, potentially contributing to the destabilization of the hillside.