2 dead in helicopter crash near Prince George: TSB
Posted September 26, 2023 8:52 am.
Last Updated September 26, 2023 2:29 pm.
A helicopter crash near a ski hill east of Prince George left two people dead and sent several others to the hospital Tuesday morning.
The crash involving a Bell 206L helicopter happened near Purden Ski Hill after 7:30 a.m.
The Prince George RCMP says six people were aboard the craft when it went down.
“Regrettably, two of the individuals did not survive the crash,” Corp. Jennifer Cooper said. “Our Victim Services unit is currently working with the families of the deceased, providing ongoing support. We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased in their time of mourning.”
BC Emergency Health Services initially told CityNews six ambulances and a supervisor were called to the scene, where “paramedics cared for and transported 4 patients to hospital.”
According to Liam MacDonald, a media relations coordinator with the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), local enforcement reported to the agency that the four people hurt suffered “minor injuries.”
He notes the TSB is deploying a team to the crash site, with investigators expected to arrive Wednesday.
“They will be gathering information, assessing the occurrence, and will make a determination as to how we will classify this occurrence per our policy,” MacDonald explained. “They’ll be conducting witness interviews, they’ll be examining the wreckage and anything else that would play a role in the occurrence today.”
The four survivors are all reported to be in “good condition,” according to a Northern Health statement to CityNews.
“It’s expected that some of the patients may be discharged from the hospital today.”
#TSBAir deploys a team of investigators following a fatal helicopter accident near Prince George, #BritishColumbia. https://t.co/DywFWL2J7z
— TSB of Canada (@TSBCanada) September 26, 2023
The RCMP says the helicopter “was privately owned and had been chartered to do some flights in the area.”
It’s unclear what caused the aircraft to go down.
The TSB investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation incidents. The goal of the agency, which is described as independent, “is the advancement of transportation safety.”
The TSB says “it is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.”
-With files from Srushti Gangdev and Martin MacMahon
