Canada: Helicopter crash in British Columbia claims lives of 3
Three people have died in a private helicopter crash in Canada's British Columbia, the Northern Escape Heli Skiing company that owns the aircraft said in a statement provided by the CTV news broadcaster.
"Northern Escape can confirm there have been three fatalities involved and will provide additional information when it is known," the statement, issued on Monday, read.
"At this time, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing is focused on providing assistance and support to everyone who was impacted by the accident."
Three air ambulances and five ambulance vehicles have been sent to the scene, the emergency health services told the broadcaster.
The paramedics have taken four people to Mills Memorial Hospital in the city of Terrace in a critical condition, the broadcaster added.
"It is impossible to put into words the profound grief that we feel and the sorrow that our guests and our staff share," John Forrest, president of Northern Escape, said in a statement confirming the fatalities Monday night.
"We hope you will respect the privacy of those impacted at this extremely difficult time."
Forrest thanked medical workers, saying that the company will closely cooperate with the authorities, who are investigating the causes of the accident.
(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)