BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA – Three individuals have lost their lives, while four others were seriously injured in a helicopter crash that happened while heli-skiing in British Columbia, Canada. The accident occurred on Monday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police relayed that the ill-fated helicopter, carrying seven passengers, was part of a three-aircraft group participating in a heli-skiing event. Communication with the said helicopter was lost before it ultimately plunged into a secluded, snow-filled location. The site was only accessible by helicopter.
While details regarding the condition of the four surviving passengers weren’t provided, police confirmed they sustained serious injuries. The other helicopters carried the survivors to another location where they encountered first responders. Details about the identities of the victims remain undisclosed.
The helicopters were owned and operated by Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, a company that organizes remote skiing trips. In a statement shared via Facebook, the company acknowledged the fatalities and expressed its dedication to offering support and assistance to those affected by the incident. The company stated its commitment to safety and adherence to industry safety guidelines, but noted that eliminating all risk factors is impossible.
John Forrest, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing’s President and General Manager, shared in a statement that the tragic event has caused profound grief among guests and staff, describing them as part of the Northern Escape Heli-Skiing family. The company requested to respect the privacy of all those impacted during this challenging period.
The crash occurred about 30 miles from the city of Terrace in British Columbia, a location well-known for outdoor activities such as skiing. The cause of the crash is being investigated, with the Transport Safety Board among the authorities involved in the investigation.