A heli-skiing company says three people have died after one of its helicopters crashed in west-central British Columbia.
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, which is based in Terrace, B.C., confirmed the deaths in a news release but did not say how many people were involved in the crash near the city.
B.C. Emergency Health Services says it was notified Monday afternoon about the crash, and that three air and five ground ambulances were dispatched.
It says paramedics treated four patients who were transported to Terrace's Mills Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Premier David Eby in a social media post says the crash is devastating.Heartbreaking news of a helicopter crash north of Terrace yesterday. British Columbians are shocked and thinking of the families of the victims. Thank you to all the first responders for their important work.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) January 23, 2024
Sub-Lieut. Wilson Ho, a spokesman with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria, says a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter was sent to assist.
Three Italians have been identified as the victims in the crash of a helicopter outside Terrace, B.C.
Italy's news agency ANSA quotes sources as saying one of those killed is Heiner Junior Oberrauch, while his brother Jakob Oberrauch was among the four people injured in Monday's crash during a heli-skiing trip.
Jakob Oberrauch is the CEO of Sportler Group, an outdoor sport clothing company.
ANSA reports that he is in hospital and conscious.
The agency doesn't name the other two Italians who died Monday afternoon when the helicopter went down in the mountains with seven people aboard.
The heli-skiing company says it has contacted the critical incident stress management team from HeliCat Canada, a trade association representing the helicopter and snowcat skiing industry, which will offer services include debriefing and peer support.
"Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is focused on the safety of guests, staff and guides — it is our top priority and the most important work we do," John Forrest, the company's president and general manager, said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the RCMP and other authorities to support the investigation into the cause of the incident."
