Early Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, a Bell 206L helicopter crashed near Purden Ski Village, east of Prince George, BC, leaving two dead and four injured. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) confirmed the details of the incident, which occurred around 35 miles (55 km) east of the city along Highway 16.
The privately owned helicopter was chartered for local flights and had six people onboard, including contractors heading to field survey work for the forestry company Canfor. Although they were not direct employees of Canfor, the company has expressed its condolences.
Emergency services, including the RCMP, responded quickly after being alerted around 7:45 am, despite the remote, forested, and hard-to-access location of the crash site and minimal cell service in the area.
https://twitter.com/DriveBC/status/1706688105900900394
The TSB is leading an in-depth investigation, working in conjunction with the BC Coroners Service, to determine the crash’s cause, and depending on the findings, the probe could last between several months to two years.
The four injured are receiving care at the University Hospital of Northern BC, all reported to be in stable condition. Some are expected to be discharged soon.
Support is being provided to the bereaved families as the local community comes to terms with this tragedy. Motorists are being asked by the RCMP to slow down and give room near the site for the ongoing emergency and investigative operations.
Updates will be shared as more information comes to light.
