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8 Missing in Canadian Avalanche

11 initially buried; 3 manage escape

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2008 9:34 AM CST

(Newser) – Eight snowmobilers are missing after a British Columbia avalanche buried 11 men, the Vancouver Sun reports. Seven were swamped by an initial avalanche; amid a rescue attempt, the other four were buried. Two men pulled themselves to the surface and were able to save one comrade with the help of the avalanche beacons all were wearing. The trio left on foot for fear of a third onslaught.

The three were rescued by emergency workers and taken to a hospital with minor injuries; two have been released. A search for the missing eight was suspended last night because of dangerous conditions and is set to resume this morning. “It's pretty rugged terrain” in the popular snowmobiling area, “and it’s a big basin,” said a local snowmobile expert. “If it breaks loose, a lot of snow's going to come down.”

The avalanche occurred near Fernie in British Columbia. (Shutterstock)

A rescue mission was suspended last night and is set to resume this morning. (Shutterstock)

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8 Missing in Canadian Avalanche

11 initially buried; 3 manage escape

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3 Killed in Montana Avalanches

Unstable snow making slopes dangerous

Man Drives With Dead Wife for 225 Miles

Elderly woman died on trip from Oregon to British Columbia

9th Foot Washes Up in BC

Buoyant footwear behind grisly finds, coroner says

6.4 Quake Hits Off Vancouver

No damage has been reported

Snow Rushed In as Olympic Ski Hill Melts

Vancouver 2010 organizers battle to keep venue usable

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8 Missing in Canadian Avalanche

11 initially buried; 3 manage escape

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Canada • rescue • British Columbia • snow • avalanche • snowmobile

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

3 Killed in Montana Avalanches

Unstable snow making slopes dangerous

Man Drives With Dead Wife for 225 Miles

Elderly woman died on trip from Oregon to British Columbia

9th Foot Washes Up in BC

Buoyant footwear behind grisly finds, coroner says

6.4 Quake Hits Off Vancouver

No damage has been reported

Snow Rushed In as Olympic Ski Hill Melts

Vancouver 2010 organizers battle to keep venue usable

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?