FORT SMITH, Canada – A small plane carrying Rio Tinto workers has crashed on its way to a diamond mine in Canada, resulting in fatalities.
The mining company confirmed that the plane was carrying a number of their employees before it went down near Fort Smith, in the country’s Northwest Territories. The exact number of passengers on board is still being assessed, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that they are not aware of any Australians impacted by the crash.
Rio Tinto’s chief executive, Jakob Stausholm, expressed sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy. He also mentioned that the company is devastated by the news and is offering full support to the affected employees and their community.
The plane was headed for Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine before it crashed. Premier RJ Simpson of the Northwest Territories mourned the loss of those killed in the crash, stating that the impact of the incident is felt across the territory.
Chief coroner of the Northwest Territories, Garth Eggenberger, confirmed the presence of fatalities, and further details are expected once next of kin have been notified.
The investigation into the crash has begun, and a team of investigators has been deployed to look into the accident involving a BAE Jetstream aircraft. The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority has activated its mass casualty protocol in response to the aviation incident and is working closely with other emergency response agencies.
This crash comes a day after another incident in neighboring British Columbia, where three people were killed and four others seriously injured in a helicopter crash. The Royal Canadian Air Force supported search and rescue efforts for the crashed aircraft near the Slave River, and Canada’s Transportation Safety Board is gathering information on the crash.
The entire community is deeply affected by these tragic incidents and the loss of their fellow community members and colleagues will not be forgotten.
The crash investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to work diligently to gather information and support the affected individuals and their families.