UPDATE
McBride RCMP will have updates Saturday afternoon, (approximately 2 PM) following Friday’s fatal avalanche incident in the Renshaw area.
A BC Coroners Service spokesperson believes the victim’s names will be released at that time. They also said the large area where the avalanche occurred is currently blocked off to all snowmobilers.
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McBride RCMP is coordinating a rescue and recovery operation after five snowmobilers lost their lives in an avalanche Friday.
Police were notified of two safety GPS beacons in the Renshaw Area East of McBride around 1:30 PM. Robson Valley Search and Rescue was on scene almost immediately.
SAR confirmed that at least three groups of snowmobilers were caught in the large-scale avalanche. Cpl. Dan Moskaluk says the RCMP are not yet sure what caused the incident.
Police and SAR believe all other snowmobilers are accounted for. Some snowmobiles were lost with riders being partially buried. All of these riders were either uninjured or experienced minor injuries.
McBride RCMP, who are being assisted by Valemount RCMP, will have another update Saturday afternoon.
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