Two workers died and four others were injured in crash in British Columbia
The Transportation Safety Board is investigating a deadly helicopter crash that took place Tuesday morning. A privately owned helicopter crashed in British Columbia's Cariboo region, resulting in the loss of two lives and leaving four others injured.
The chopper was on a chartered flight when it went down shortly before 8 a.m., near the Purden Ski Hill, situated approximately 50 kilometers east of Prince George.
“The Transportation Safety Board's team is concluding the field phase of their investigation today and will return to their office,” reads an email statement from the TSB to Canadian Occupational Safety.
“They will assess the accident in accordance with their policy on occurrence classification, and a decision regarding whether to initiate an investigation will follow once preliminary analysis of information has been completed.”
The classification of the incident, ranging from Class 1 to Class 6, will dictate the TSB's response, varying from basic fact gathering for statistical reporting to a comprehensive investigation that leads to in-depth analysis and recommendations.
The identities of the victims have yet to be disclosed, but included contractors who were preparing for field survey work on behalf of Canfor, a prominent lumber, pulp, and paper producer headquartered in Vancouver.
Michelle Ward, Canfor's vice-president of communications, conveyed their condolences, saying, "We mourn the loss of the workers whose lives were heartbreakingly cut short and send condolences to their families and friends.”
“At this juncture, it is premature to speculate on the causes and contributing factors of the crash. TSB investigators must meticulously examine all available information before drawing any conclusions,” reads the TSB statement.
According to the federal agency, the helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 206L, with a capacity of seven people—one pilot and six passengers, according to the manufacturer's online description.
BC Emergency Health Services reported that six ambulances rushed to the crash site, where paramedics provided care and transportation to four injured patients.
In an update, a spokesperson for the health authority confirmed that the injured patients had been taken to the University Hospital of Northern BC. The statement added, "Those patients have been assessed at the hospital and all are reported to be in good condition.”
The Canadian Press
