B.C. premier calls fatal heli-ski crash ‘heartbreaking’

What caused a fatal heli-skiing helicopter crash north of Terrace Monday afternoon remains under investigation, as the Transportation Safety Board gathers more information.

The TSB says in an email to CityNews it has been informed of the crash, which left three people dead and four others badly hurt.

No further details were immediately available.

According to the Terrace RCMP, the crash happened about 50 kilometres northwest of the city. The aircraft was one of three on a backcountry ski trip.

Police say the other helicopters lost contact with the aircraft before they spotted the crash site.

In a social media post Tuesday, B.C. Premier David Eby called news of the crash “heartbreaking.”

“British Columbians are shocked and thinking of the families of the victims. Thank you to all the first responders for their important work,” he continued.

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, the company that owns the helicopter, confirmed the fatalities to CityNews on Monday. Its president and general manager said the company was working with authorities on the cause of the crash.

“The guests who ski with us and the staff who work with us each season are part of our family,” said John Forrest.

“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.”

Northern Escape Heli-Skiing says it’s providing support and assistance to those affected by the crash.

It adds helicopter crashes “are rare but do pose a risk to people who heli-ski in the mountains and 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. However, similar to many outdoor activities, it’s impossible to eliminate 100 percent of the risks posed,” the company continued.

-With files from Pippa Norman and The Canadian Press