Rio Tinto flight crashes, killing multiple people on board flight to Diavik mine in Canada

Authorities have commenced a recovery mission after a Rio Tinto charter flight crashed on its way to a Canadian mine, killing multiple people on board.

A sole survivor has walked away from a wreckage after a plane crashed on its way to a Canadian mine, killing four Rio Tinto workers and two crew on board.

Six people were killed when a Northwestern Air flight crashed near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada on Tuesday morning, local time.

The mining company confirmed on Wednesday the charter flight was travelling to the Diavik mine, about 220km south of the Arctic Circle.

Authorities have since confirmed four Rio Tinto workers and two flight crew were killed in the crash but it’s yet to be determined whether any Australians were on board.

Rio Tinto's Diavik mine is located south of the Arctic Circle. Picture: Supplied

One passenger miraculously survived the fatal crash, and was taken to the local hospital in Fort Smith before being transferred to Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife for further treatment.

“We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said.

“I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy.

“I am heading to the Northwest Territories to be with our team and to offer our full support.

“We will be working closely with authorities over the coming days, weeks and months, to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened.

“As a company we are absolutely devastated by this news and offering our full support to our people and the community who are grieving today.

“We are working closely with authorities and will help in any way we can with their efforts to find out exactly what has happened.”

It’s understood the plane lost contact shortly after taking off near Fort Smith.

Canadian Rangers found the plane near the Slave River and are conducting a search and rescue mission.

The NWT Coroner Service is investigating the plane crash, with a team of investigators working with the Transport Safety Board and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to determine the cause of the crash.

“The NWT Coroner Service is in the community and will be working with local resources to access the site and begin the recovery process,” chief coroner Garth Eggenberger stated.

“The coroner Service expresses our condolences to their families and community of Fort smith during this very tragic and difficult time.”

Diavik is the largest diamond mine in Canada and is operated by Rio Tinto. Picture: Supplied

Diavik is the biggest diamond mine in Canada.

Rio has been operating at the mine, which is located about 220km south of the Arctic Circle, since it started production in 2003.

The mining company alter took full control of the asset in 2021.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson said the fatal plane crash will impact residents for a long time.

“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,” Mr Simpson said.

“The impact of this incident is felt across the territory.

“The people we lost were not just passengers on a flight; they were neighbours, colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

“Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten.

“In the Northwest Territories (NWT), we come together and take care of each other, especially during difficult times.”

The Rio Tinto workers were travelling to the mine when it crashed near Fort Smith. Picture: Supplied

Mr Simpson urged those affected to lean on each other as they come to terms with their grief.

“To those affected by this tragedy, as you navigate this time of grief and sorrow, remember that you have the thoughts and prayers of residents across the NWT,” he said.

“We stand with you, we grieve with you, and we share the pain of your loss.

“As we seek to understand the circumstances of this tragedy, I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the first responders and rescue teams who continue to work tirelessly at the crash site.”

Originally published as Rio Tinto flight crashes, killing multiple people on board flight to Diavik mine in Canada