Prince George RCMP have verified that an individual has passed away following an emergency landing of an aircraft on Foothills Boulevard, approximately 1.5 kilometers north of North Nechako Road. The RCMP mentioned that two motor vehicles were part of the incident. A statement from the RCMP expressed sorrow over the fatality of one person in the event, who was an occupant in one of the vehicles. The status of potential injuries to the other vehicle occupants and those aboard the aircraft remains unknown at this time.
Authorities advised the public to steer clear of the area as Foothills Boulevard has been shut down for traffic in both directions, with the closure expected to last through the night and into the following day. The Transportation Safety Board will spearhead the investigation, as per police reports.
The situation unfolded around 2:30 p.m. PT when emergency crews were summoned to northern Prince George, responding to an apparent emergency landing of a small aircraft on a bustling road. B.C. Emergency Health Services reported receiving a distress call around the same time. Paramedics evaluated a total of 10 individuals, transporting two patients to the hospital in stable condition.
Witness Mohit Arora recounted the plane descending onto the road just as he had turned onto Foothills Boulevard. The left wing of the aircraft collided with a pickup truck, resulting in injuries to the truck driver, albeit survivable. Arora narrowly avoided being hit by the aircraft’s propeller, expressing gratitude for escaping unscathed from the harrowing experience.
RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper emphasized the chaotic nature of the incident involving the two cars, highlighting the unpredictability of the emergency situation. Images captured at the scene by Arora depicted the damaged aircraft with a broken propeller lying on the road. A yellow vehicle and a pickup truck with aircraft debris lodged in its front windshield were also visible, showcasing the severity of the situation.
Authorities urged individuals to avoid the affected area, emphasizing an extended closure of the road for an unspecified duration.