Five snowmobilers killed in avalanche

Five people on snowmobiles have died in western Canada after a "very large" avalanche struck near the village of McBride, north-east of Vancouver.

An Avalanche Canada spokesman said the "very large, significant" avalanche, which took place on Friday afternoon, was triggered by human activity.

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Three separate groups of snowmobilers were hit, according to the BBC.

A helicopter was sent to the area to assist a search and rescue team.

Barb McLintock of the BC Coroners Service told The Guardian that rescue crews quickly discovered that there were at least three groups of snowmobilers.

BC Emergency Health Services said one person was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Karl Klassen of Avalanche Canada said: "There are layers of concern in the snowpack in many parts of this region and others, and a fairly significant weather event added rain and snow to the snowpack over the last few days followed by clearing and cooling today.

"This may have produced stresses in the snowpack capable of producing large avalanches and this condition could take several days to settle and bond."

January is a busy time of year for snowmobiling in British Columbia.