THUNDER BAY – Bearskin Airlines spokesperson Ron Hell states, “At this time our thoughts, and our prayers and our condolences go out to all the families involved and we just ask everyone to also give your thoughts and prayers to those involved.”
The company is a small and connected one with a strong corporate spirit.
Details Coming Out
Peter Traczuk, a married father of three, who was thirty-four years old and lived in Winnipeg perished in the crash. The other pilot, Aniruddh Sawant, who was twenty-five years old is from Mississauga Ontario but was living in Winnipeg.
The pilots died in the crash which happened two miles from the Red Lake Airport. The terrain where the plane crashed is very rugged Canadian Shield. The plane impacted power lines as it headed into the ground.
Three passengers died in the crash as well. Their names have not been released yet.
The impact on Red Lake is heavy
The crash is still impacting local schools as power is not fully on yet. There are no school buses running today between Cochenour and Balmertown. HIghway 125 between Nungessor Rd and Cochenour still closed after the plane crash.
Family and friends in the small community are all impacted. Like all small communities people know each other, and know what happens in their communities.
Condolences Coming In
Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt tweeted a condolence, “My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the tragic air accident near Red Lake last evening. Thank you to first responders.”
Kenora MP Greg Rickford stated, “My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy. I have spoken with Mayor Phil Venet and he assured me that they are doing everything they can and cooperating with investigators, to determine the cause of this accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and the community of Red Lake.”
Details are coming out in what may have caused the accident. The pilots radioed in a declared emergency about ten minutes before the crash. Reportedly there was an issue with one of the plane’s engines.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to release more details later today.
The names of the deceased passengers have not been released.
The thoughts and prayers of the NetNewsledger.com crew are with the families and friends of the deceased and injured.
Related articles
