The Northwest Territories coroner’s office said on Wednesday that six people have died in a plane crash new Fort Smith, and one survivor was taken to hospital.
Two crew members form Northwestern Air Lease and four passengers were killed on the Tuesday morning flight, as it was heading to the Diavik Diamond Mine, 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife.
The coroner’s office said in a written statement, “There was one survivor who was taken to the Fort Smith Health Centre and then medevaced to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. The NWT Coroner Service is in the community and will be working with local resources to access the site and begin the recovery process.”
The plane crashed after takeoff near Slave River, which lies along the territortial boundary with Alberta.
Rescuers parachuted to the scene on Tuesday, and The Transporation Safety Board is investigating the crash, which involved a British Aerospace Jetstream passenger plane.
Town council is offering help for community members who are grieving.
The council said in a statement, “We understand that you may not wish to be alone right now (and) that you may want to talk about it with others that are experiencing the same feelings of grief and trauma, there will be snacks, drinks, and friendly faces at the Community Recreation Centre as of 10 a.m. today, so feel free to drop by for a hot beverage and some conversation.”
