A deadly plane crash in central B.C. has left one person dead and four more injured, including two in critical condition.
The de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver plane, which was carrying five people, went down in a heavily-forested area approximately 15 km east of Laidman Lake. The crash site is about 80 km northeast of Anahim Lake.
The crash was called in by one of the survivors from a cell phone.
Search and rescue members parachuted into the crash site as first responders, followed by paramedics who arrived by helicopter, where the pilot was pronounced dead.
WATCH: The Transport Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate a plane crash north of Anahim Lake
The remaining four passengers were extracted from the scene and taken to Anahim Airport for transfer to hospital. Three of the survivors were flown to Vancouver, while the remaining survivor was sent to Kamloops.
The deceased has been identified as Leonard Banga, 42, from Saskatchewan. Banga’s friend Ron Olson confirmed the identity.
“Leonard was a dynamic individual, a highly successful businessman,” Olson said. “He was a well-trained pilot as well. He will be missed in many ways.”
A spokesperson from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has confirmed that the five people on board the plane were flying from Vanderhoof to a hunting lodge at Laidman Lake for a planned hunting trip. The other passengers are said to also be from Saskatchewan.
The cause of the crash is still being determined. The TSB’s investigative team is currently collecting further information at the crash site.
This story has been updated throughout.
- Joffre Lakes to close for 3 periods this year under agreement with First Nations
- ‘Why aren’t we doing more?’ White Rock on edge with killer on the loose
- B.C. carjacking victim says she doesn’t trust the ‘catch-and-release’ system
- Inquest into fatal Surrey hostage-taking recommends cameras for ERT teams
Comments