A tragic plane crash occurred on Tuesday in Canada’s Northwest Territories, near the town of Fort Smith, resulting in an unspecified number of fatalities. The aircraft was en route to a diamond mine when the accident happened. Rio Tinto, a global mining company, confirmed that some of its employees were on board the plane. However, the exact number of workers involved has not been disclosed.
The Northwest Territories coroner’s office also confirmed the presence of fatalities but did not provide any further details, citing the need to inform the next of kin first. The crash prompted the activation of the mass casualty protocol at Fort Smith Health Centre, indicating the severity of the incident.
Multiple agencies and organizations responded to the crash, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Patrol, the Canadian Rangers, and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Investigators from the Northwest Territories coroner’s office and the Transportation Safety Board were dispatched to Fort Smith to determine the cause of the accident.
The aircraft involved in the crash is a British Aerospace Jetstream registered to Northwestern Air Lease. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is currently investigating the incident. Northwestern Air Lease’s website states that the Jetstream can accommodate up to 19 passengers. CNN has reached out to Northwestern Air Lease for further information.
R.J. Simpson, the Premier of the Northwest Territories, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy. He emphasized that those lost in the crash were not just passengers but also valued members of their communities. Simpson urged residents to seek support from government-provided mental health resources during this difficult time.
The initial report of lost contact with the aircraft outside Fort Smith prompted a response from the Canadian Rangers and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Poor visibility during the early hours of Tuesday morning hindered search efforts but improved later in the day. The air force deployed a CC 138 Twin Otter from Yellowknife and a CC 130J Hercules from Trenton to assist with search and rescue operations. Additional units from Calgary were also dispatched.
Ground searches were conducted by the RCMP and Canadian Rangers in conjunction with the air operations. Fort Smith officials requested that people stay away from the crash site to allow authorities to carry out their response effectively.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be assisting the coroner’s office and the Transportation Safety Board throughout the investigation. As this is a developing story, further updates are expected.
The impact of this tragic incident reverberates throughout the Northwest Territories. The loss of lives extends beyond mere passengers on a flight; they were neighbors, colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Their contributions to the communities they were part of will be remembered and cherished.
This devastating plane crash serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, even in remote regions like Canada’s Northwest Territories. As investigators work diligently to determine the cause of the accident, it is crucial for authorities and aviation companies to prioritize safety measures and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by this heartbreaking event. May they find solace and strength during this challenging time.