UPDATE: 2 dead after plane crash east of Winnipeg

WINNIPEG — Two people have died after a small plane crashed near Deacons Corner and Hwy 15 on Friday morning.

The Transportation Safety Board and Manitoba RCMP have confirmed the crash happened near Deacons Corner and Hwy 15 at approximately 10:18 A.M. It involves a Piper PA 28 aircraft. The plane can fit one pilot and up to three passengers.

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Jim Oke of the Recreation Aircraft Association confirmed two people were killed in the crash. Their identities have not been released by RCMP or by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB).

“We’re simply saddened and our sympathies will be with their friends and families over the coming days,” said Oke.

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Oke said the plane belonged to the Association and the pilot was a member.

The TSB said it has deployed investigators to assess the crash site however a spokesperson said it’s much to early to know what caused the crash.

“This aircraft as I mentioned was probably 20 years old and had flown for many thousands of hours uneventfully so what caused this particular event we’re not sure,” said Oke.

Plumes of grey smoke on the outer reaches of the city could be seen from downtown Winnipeg.