A number of people are feared dead after a light aircraft crashed en route to a diamond mine in Canada.
Mining company Rio Tinto said a number of employees were on the plane headed to the Diavik Diamond Mine, about 300km northeast of Yellowknife, when the plane crashed near Fort Smith, NWT, on Tuesday.
There was no word on how many people were aboard the plane, but the area coroner’s office said there were deaths after Rangers found the crashed plane near the Slave River.
The website for Northwestern Air Lease, which operates the British Aerospace Jetstream aircraft, says the planes can carry as many as 19 passengers.
Rescuers parachuted to the scene as the Canadian Air Force, RCMP and Rangers were involved in a massive rescue effort. Two huge Lockheed CC-130s monitored the mission from above in a desperate search for survivors.
The military was first called in when the plane lost contact shortly after takeoff, according to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Trenton. According to reports, the plane crashed near the banks of the Slave River.
Aerial view of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada, the largest in terms of carat production
File photo of a British Aerospace Jetstream 41 aircraft. A Northwestern Air Lease plane crashed on Tuesday en route to a diamond mine in Canada
The plane touched down on the banks of the Slave River on its way to the mine
Upon finding the plane, NWT Prime Minister RJ Simpson thanked first responders and extended his condolences to the families of those tragically killed.
“The impact of this incident is being felt across the territory,” he said in a statement. “The people we lost weren’t just passengers on a flight; they were neighbors, colleagues, friends and lovers.
“Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten.”
The mining company also extended its condolences to those affected by the news.
“I would like to express our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy,” said Jakob Stausholm, chief executive of Rio Tinto.
‘As a company we are absolutely devastated by this news and offer our full support to our people and community who are grieving today.
“We are working closely with the authorities and will assist in any way we can in their efforts to find out exactly what happened.”
The Transportation Safety Board said a team of investigators went to the site to figure out what went wrong.
Diavik is Canada’s largest diamond mine.
Rio has been operating the mine, located about 220km south of the Arctic Circle, since production began in 2003.
The mining company Alter took full control of the asset in 2021.
Northwest Territories Premier RJ Simpson said the deadly plane crash will continue to affect residents for a long time.
“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those aboard the Northwestern Air aircraft that crashed outside Fort Smith today,” Simpson said.
‘The impact of this incident is felt throughout the territory.
“The people we lost weren’t just passengers on a flight; they were neighbors, colleagues, friends and lovers.
“Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten.
“In the Northwest Territories (NWT), we come together and care for each other, especially during difficult times.”
Diavik is Canada’s largest diamond mine and is operated by Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto confirmed that several people on board a flight to the Diavik mine (pictured) crashed, killing several people
The plane crashed Tuesday evening local time near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada (photo).
Mr Simpson urged those affected to lean on each other as they cope with their grief.
“To those affected by this tragedy, as you navigate this time of grief and sorrow, remember that you have the thoughts and prayers of residents across the NWT,” he said.
“We stand by your side, we mourn with you and we share the pain of your loss.
“As we work to understand the circumstances of this tragedy, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the first responders and rescue teams who continue to work tirelessly at the crash site.”
More to come.