Helicopter that crashed near Prince George was carrying contractors to work site: Canfor
Posted September 27, 2023 2:17 pm.
Last Updated September 27, 2023 2:18 pm.
Forest products firm Canfor has confirmed the people aboard a helicopter that crashed outside Prince George, Tuesday, leaving two dead and four hurt, were hired contractors on their way to conduct field survey work.
The crash happened near Purden Ski Hill after 7:30 a.m.
Canfor said in a statement Wednesday the survey crew, the Bell 206L helicopter, and its pilot were contracted by the company. However, it would not reveal which firm they were from, nor the helicopter’s owner.
The RCMP says the helicopter “was privately owned and had been chartered to do some flights in the area.”
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Michelle Ward, Canfor’s vice-president of corporate communications, says the company is “deeply saddened” by the deadly crash. She offered condolences to the friends and family of those whose lives “were heartbreakingly cut short.”
On Tuesday, Transportation Safety Board (TSB) spokesperson Liam MacDonald told CityNews investigators were scheduled to arrive at the scene of the crash on 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 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 agency says “it is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.”
Meanwhile, the four survivors were all reported to be in “good condition,” according to a Northern Health statement to CityNews Tuesday.
It’s unclear what caused the aircraft to go down.
-With files from Srushti Gangdev and Martin MacMahon
