LOS ANGELES, Aug 3, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – At least three people died when part
of a cliff collapsed onto beachgoers on the California coast on Friday,
authorities said.
The incident took place near a staircase leading to Grandview Surf Beach,
north of San Diego.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said one person was killed and
the City of Encinitas later tweeted that two of three people who were taken
to hospital had also died.
“Beachgoers should continue to use caution when visiting beach areas,” the
City of Encinitas cautioned in the tweet.
At least two people had to be rescued from the debris after being trapped,
said Lieutenant Ted Greenawald of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Encinitas lifeguard captain Larry Giles told local reporters that rescuers
were working with dogs to search for other possible victims.
The beach where the incident took place is located along sandstone cliffs
that have rapidly eroded over the years.
In 2000, a landslide in the area killed a woman who was on a beach
watching her husband surf.
The city of Encinitas has placed warning signs along several locations.
“Because of frequent bluff failures, a great deal of consideration has
been given to ensuring the safety of those who visit our beaches,” according
to the city’s website.
Visitors should “avoid standing or sitting directly underneath unstable
bluffs, since they may collapse.”