Emergency crews remain active at the Beaver River Trestle Bridge area following a serious incident involving a young man who fell into the river late Friday evening.

According to a media release issued Wednesday, RCMP responded to the Beaver River Trestle Bridge area along the Iron Horse Trail on May 1 after reports of an incident involving a group riding side-by-sides in the area.

The release states the young man climbed a guard fence near the trestle bridge, lost his footing and fell into the river below. Witnesses reported he was carried downstream by the swift current before submerging and not resurfacing.

A large-scale emergency response was immediately launched involving local and regional Search and Rescue teams, RCMP, fire rescue personnel, underwater search resources, Emergency Operations staff and mental health support services.

Search efforts remain ongoing as crews continue working in difficult river conditions.

Emergency personnel have also been operating at the Beaver River Bridge on Highway 28 to break up a dam and log jam beneath the bridge as part of the response effort. Crews have been positioned on the bridge, downstream, upstream and in the water while conditions are monitored closely.

The public is being asked to stay clear of all active search and emergency areas, avoid gathering near the scene and allow responders full access to safely carry out operations.

Hotel Dene has also been opened as a support space for community members, with trauma support teams available on-site for anyone needing assistance during this time.

Further updates are expected as information becomes available.