3 dead after heli-skiing crash north of Terrace
Posted January 22, 2024 7:27 pm.
Last Updated January 22, 2024 9:00 pm.
Three people are dead after a heli-skiing helicopter crashed north of Terrace, B.C. Monday afternoon, the company involved says.
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing confirmed the fatalities, saying it is working with authorities to determine the cause.
The company says its deepest condolences are with the “…family and friends of the individuals who passed away, as well as those who were injured in the helicopter accident.”
It’s currently unclear how many people were aboard the helicopter when it crashed.
“The guests who ski with us and the staff who work with us each season are part of our family,” said John Forrest, president and general manager of Northern Escape Heli-Skiing.
“It is impossible to put into words the profound grief that we feel and the sorrow that our guests and our staff share. We hope you will respect the privacy of those impacted at this extremely difficult time.”
BCEHS says three air ambulances and five ground ambulances attended the scene at around 4:15 p.m.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this incident,” a spokesperson with BCEHS wrote.
Wilson Ho, a sub-lieutenant with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria, says they received a call about the crash at about 4:30 p.m.
He adds the rescue centre was told the situation was “resolved locally” at about 5:30 p.m.
The company says it has contacted HeliCat Canada’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team, which will work to support those involved in the incident through peer support and other resources.
It adds that helicopter accidents are rare, but do pose a risk to heli-skiiers heading into the backcountry.
“Northern Escape Heli-Skiing takes every precaution to minimize the risks while being in the backcountry, and they do this by meeting industry safety standards,” a spokesperson for the company wrote.
“However, similar to many outdoor activities, it’s impossible to eliminate 100 percent of the risks posed.”
The company says more information will be made available when it’s known.
CityNews has reached out to police for more information.
