Prince George: Aviation authorities and emergency services are investigating a fatal incident in Prince George after a twin-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on a roadway on Thursday afternoon.
The aircraft came down on Foothills Boulevard near North Nechako Road, where it struck vehicles on the busy stretch. The collision prompted a major response from police, emergency medical teams and other first responders.
Police have confirmed that one person travelling in a vehicle died in the incident. Early information suggested that about eight people were aboard the aircraft, although officials were still working to establish the exact number of occupants and determine whether others sustained injuries.
A portion of Foothills Boulevard has been closed to traffic as emergency crews continue operations at the site. Authorities have urged residents and motorists to stay away from the area so that rescue personnel and investigators can work without obstruction.
The reason the aircraft was forced to land on the road has not yet been determined. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, the sequence of events before the landing and other circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to examine the aviation aspects of the incident as part of the investigation.
Officials have cautioned that the information available at this stage remains preliminary. Further details about the aircraft, its occupants, injuries and the circumstances leading to the emergency landing are expected as authorities complete their assessment and release verified information.
