A number of people are feared to have died after a light plane crashed on the way to a diamond mine in Canada.
Mining company Rio Tinto said a number of its staff were on the plane headed to its Diavik Diamond Mine, about 180 miles (300km) northeast of Yellowknife when the plane went down near Fort Smith, N.W.T. on Tuesday.
There was no word on how many people were on board the plane, but the territory’s coroner office said confirmed there had been fatalities after Rangers found the downed plane near the Slave River.
The website of Northwestern Air Lease, who operate the British Aerospace Jetstream plane, says the planes can carry as many as 19 passengers.
Rescuers parachuted into the scene as the Canadian Air Force, RCMP and Rangers were pulled into a massive rescue effort. Two huge Lockheed CC-130s followed the mission from above amid a desperate search for survivors.
The military were first called in when the plane lost contact shortly after take off, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton said. Reports say 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 went down on the way to a diamond mine in Canada on Tuesday
The plane was travelling crashed on the banks of the Slave River on the way to the mine
Upon finding the plane, N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson thanked first responders and shared condolences to the families of those tragically killed.
‘The impact of this incident is felt across the territory,’ he said in a statement. ‘The people we lost were not just passengers on a flight; they were neighbours, colleagues, friends and loved ones.
‘Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten.’
The mining company also extended condolences to those affected by the news.
‘I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy,’ Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said.
‘As a company we are absolutely devastated by this news and offering our full support to our people and the community who are grieving today.
‘We are working closely with authorities and will help in any way we can with their efforts to find out exactly what has happened.’
The Transportation Safety Board said a team of investigators was heading to the site to work out what went wrong.
Diavik is the biggest diamond mine in Canada.
Rio has been operating at the mine, which is located about 220km south of the Arctic Circle, since it started production in 2003.
The mining company alter took full control of the asset in 2021.
Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson said the fatal plane crash will impact residents for a long time.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were aboard the Northwestern Air flight that crashed outside of Fort Smith today,’ Mr Simpson said.
‘The impact of this incident is felt across the territory.
‘The people we lost were not just passengers on a flight; they were neighbours, colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
‘Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten.
‘In the Northwest Territories (NWT), we come together and take care of each other, especially during difficult times.’
Diavik is the largest diamond mine in Canada and is operated by Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto confirmed that multiple people onboard a flight travelling to the Diavik mine (pictured) crashed, killing several
The plane crashed near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada (pictured) on Tuesday evening, local time
Mr Simpson urged those affected to lean on each other as they come to terms 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 with you, we grieve with you, and we share the pain of your loss.
‘As we seek to understand the circumstances of this tragedy, I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the first responders and rescue teams who continue to work tirelessly at the crash site.’
More to come.