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Search for 8 missing in Canada avalanches

Other News Materials 30 December 2008 03:04 (UTC +04:00)

Rescue crews searched on Monday for eight snowmobilers missing and feared killed when they were hit by a pair of avalanches in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Reuters reported.

Ground crews began work at the accident scene about 40 km (25 miles) south of Fernie, British Columbia, after technicians used explosives to stabilise the snow pack on slopes around where the men are believed to be buried.

The eight missing were among 11 people caught in two snow slides on Sunday in Harvey Pass in southeast British Columbia, a backcountry recreation area popular with local residents. Three people managed to dig themselves out and were rescued.

"Time is not on their side, but we have hope," Cpl. Andy Veltmeyer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police told reporters in Fernie.

The area has received more than 70 cm (28 inches) of snow in recent days and experts had warned the avalanche danger was high.

The snowmobilers from the nearby coal mining community of Sparwood, British Columbia, were carrying avalanche beacons to help rescuers locate them if they got buried in snow.

The area has received more than 70 cm (28 inches) of snow in recent days and experts had warned the avalanche danger was very high.

It took two of the men about 20 minutes about to dig themselves free. They then freed a third man, but the danger of additional slides forced the survivors to leave the area on foot before they could dig for anyone else.

The danger of more avalanches also prevent rescue ground crews from working through the night, although the area was surveyed by helicopter.

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