Five killed as avalanche engulfs snowmobile riders in Canadian mountains

At least five people on snowmobiles have been killed by an avalanche in Canada. They were in three separate groups engulfed by the snow near McBride, north-east of Vancouver. Two people were injured and one was sent to hospital in stable condition. Nobody is unaccounted for and it is thought eight people in all were caught in the snowslide. A spokesman for the Avalanche Canada monitoring service said the “very large, significant” avalanche was triggered by human activity.

We live in a rugged country where many in the community enjoy the outdoors. That comes with danger, and today, our worst fears have been realized.

McBride councillor Sharon Reichert

Rescue teams were on the scene almost immediately with reports that up to eight people were caught in the incident. Coroner Donita Kuzma said police interviewed survivors as they came down the mountain to see if there were any other snowmobilers still missing. “It’s a very busy time of year with snowmobilers,” said Kuzma. Experts say the risk of avalance was high after heavy snow and rain in the past few days.

I was out at Chinese dinner this evening when the news broke, and it was, like, ‘oh my God, who was out there?’

Rick Thompson, McBride councillor

avalanche