Story highlights Victims identified, ranged in age from 41 to 55

Snowmobiler tells reporters the avalanche was almost half a mile wide

Some activated rescue beacons; rescuers managed to save at least 6

(CNN) An afternoon snowmobiling in the Canadian Rocky Mountains turned deadly for five people, after a powerful avalanche swept them away.

At least four groups of riders were out in remote, mountainous terrain near McBride, British Columbia, when the avalanche struck at 1:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET) Friday. Two people managed to activate rescue beacons -- a recommended emergency tool for those enjoying backcountry snow -- to alert authorities, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Two search-and-rescue technicians who happened to be snowmobiling in the area "were on scene almost immediately," the police said in a news release. They were able to rescue several members of the groups caught in the slide.

The deceased were all from Alberta. They were identified as Vincent Eugene Loewen, 52, Vegreville; Tony Christopher Greenwood, 41, Grand Prairie County; Ricky Robinson, 55, Spruce Grove; Todd William Chisholm, 47, St. Albert; and John Harold Garley, 49, Stony Plain.

Six people were take to a hospital; all have been released.

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