Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said in a statement that the company was devastated by the crash.
“We are working closely with authorities and will help in any way we can with their efforts to find out exactly what has happened,” Stausholm said.
Northwestern Air Lease did not respond to requests for comment, but the premier of the Northwest Territories put out a statement mourning those lost.
“It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were aboard the Northwestern Air flight that crashed outside of Fort Smith today,” Premier R.J. Simpson said.
Chief coroner of Northwest Territories Garth Eggenberger confirmed there were fatalities but said officials would not be providing any further information until next of kin are notified.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Fort Smith Health Centre…
