Two people are dead and four more are in stable condition in hospital after a helicopter crash Tuesday morning 60 kilometres east of Prince George.
RCMP have confirmed two people were killed in the crash in wooded area at about 7:39 a.m. near Purden Mountain Resort.
“There was a total of six people on board the aircraft at the time of the incident; regrettably, two of the individuals did not survive the crash. Our Victim Services unit is currently working with the families of the deceased, providing ongoing support. We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased in their time of mourning,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince George RCMP.
The four people who survived the crash were transported in B.C. Emergency Health Services ambulances to University Hospital of Northern B.C.
"Those patients have been assessed at the hospital and all are reported to be in good condition," said a Northern Heath spokesperson. "It’s expected that some of the patients may be discharged from the hospital today.".
The helicopter, a Bell 206L, was privately owned and had been flying chartered flights in the area.
It's believed that local contractors working for Canfor to do field survey work were the occupants of the helicopter when it crashed.
"We mourn the loss of the workers whose lives were heartbreakingly cut short and send condolences to their families and friends," said Michelle Ward, Canfor's senior director of communications and government relations, in a statement to CBC News.
The Transportation Safety Board is currently travelling to the crash location and RCMP will remain at the scene while investigators conduct the investigation. The B.C. Coroner’s Service also attended the crash site.
Shell-Glen, Pineview and Beaverly volunteer fire departments and Prince George Search and Rescue were on the scene assisting RCMP.
