The idyllic mountains near Terrace, British Columbia, transformed into a scene of devastation after a helicopter, carrying heli-skiers into the rugged backcountry, plummeted into a snowfield on Monday afternoon. The crash claimed the lives of three people and left four others battling for their lives in critical condition.
Northern Escape Heli-Skiing confirmed the grim news, lamenting the profound grief enveloping the close-knit company and its clientele. “Our staff and clients are an integral part of our extended family” stated company president John Forrest. “It is impossible to put into words the profound grief that we feel and the sorrow that our guests and our staff share.”
The tragic incident struck at the heart of Italy’s business community, as two of the deceased were prominent figures from the country’s northeast region. Andreas Widmann, an executive with sportswear manufacturer Texmarket, and Heiner (Heinzl) Oberrauch, heir to the Sportler sporting goods empire, were among those who perished. Their passing has prompted responses from the highest echelons of Italian politics, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani expressing condolences and pledging support for the injured compatriots, wishing “them a speedy recovery.”
The helicopter, operated by Skyline Helicopters and based out of Kelowna, was one of a trio facilitating a heli-skiing excursion when contact with it was lost. The RCMP and other responders swiftly located the crash site in a remote snowfield, accessible only by air. The survivors, initially rushed to Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace, were later transferred to higher-level care facilities; two remain in critical condition, while two have been upgraded to serious.
The crash prompted a Code Orange at Mills Memorial Hospital, signaling a mass-casualty event and ensuring the mobilization of ample staff and resources. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved,” said the health authority in a written statement, also extending gratitude to the hospital staff for their quick and compassionate response.
As the RCMP, along with the B.C. Coroners Service, the Transport Safety Board, and WorkSafeBC, delve into the investigation, details surrounding the cause of the crash remain scant. What is clear, however, is the harsh reality of the inherent risks associated with heli-skiing. HeliCat Canada, an industry association representing helicopter and snowcat skiing operations, acknowledged the gravity of such accidents despite their rarity and the extensive efforts to mitigate risks.
Relevant articles:
– 3 dead, 4 in critical condition after heli-skiing crash north of Terrace, B.C.
– 3 dead in ski-helicopter crash in Canada, ABC News, Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:33:59 GMT
– Two Italians among three killed in helicopter crash near Terrace, Vancouver Sun, Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:39:04 GMT
– 2 survivors of deadly B.C. helicopter crash remain in critical condition, 2 others now serious, CTV News Vancouver, Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:26:00 GMT