An areal view of Fort Simpson, N.W.T., close to where a fatal plane crash killed three people on Wednesday. Photo Courtesy of Village of Fort Simpson/Facebook.
Whitehorse, YT – The Yukon Government is expressing condolences after three people died in a wildfire response plane crash in the Northwest Territories.
RCMP say the Turbo Commander 690 went down Wednesday night about 50 kilometres from Fort Simpson, west of Yellowknife, while supporting wildfire operations. Police say no survivors were found at the scene and recovery efforts are underway.
The aircraft was being used as an airborne command centre to help coordinate firefighting efforts. N.W.T. Fire says the plane was reported overdue before the crash was confirmed.
The territory’s coroner service is part of the investigation and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed a team of investigators.
In a statement, Yukon Premier Currie Dixon, Community Services Minister Cory Bellmore and Wildland Fire Management said flags have been lowered to half-mast in honour of the victims.
“These losses will be felt deeply across the entire wildfire community and throughout northern communities,” reads the statement. “We stand in solidarity and offer our support as you navigate this difficult situation.”
