Prince George RCMP have confirmed the death of an individual following an emergency landing of an aircraft on Foothills Boulevard, approximately 1.5 kilometers north of North Nechako Road. The RCMP stated that two motor vehicles were part of the incident. A statement from the RCMP expressed sadness over the fatality of one of the vehicle occupants, while the condition of the other vehicle occupants and plane passengers remains uncertain.
Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of the area. Foothills Boulevard has been shut down in both directions and is expected to remain closed overnight and into the next day. The Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the incident, as per the police.
Emergency services were called to the northern Prince George region following reports of a small aircraft making an emergency landing on a busy road. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. PT on Foothills Boulevard near Highland Drive, according to Prince George RCMP. B.C. Emergency Health Services responded to the scene, with ten patients assessed and two transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Witness Mohit Arora recounted the event, mentioning that the plane struck a pickup truck, resulting in injuries to the truck’s driver. Arora narrowly avoided a collision with the aircraft’s propeller. Images from the scene depict a damaged aircraft with a broken propeller on the road and vehicles involved in the crash.
Authorities, along with other first responders, are still assessing the situation. RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper emphasized the complexity of the incident involving two cars and highlighted the unpredictability of emergency maneuvers required by drivers.
Prince George Fire Rescue confirmed their response to a significant motor vehicle incident involving an aircraft. The Transportation Safety Board identified the aircraft as a Beech King Air 200 and dispatched a team for further investigation. Public caution has been issued to avoid the area due to the prolonged road closure.
The images captured by Arora illustrate the aftermath of the incident, showcasing a yellow vehicle damaged by the crash. The aircraft displayed visible damage to its wings. Authorities have urged people to stay away from the area, emphasizing the extended closure of the road for an indefinite period.