In the update, Rio Tinto said, we have been informed by authorities that four team members from our Diavik diamond mine and two airline crew members have died in a plane crash near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada. Another member of our Diavik team survived the crash and received treatment in hospital. The charter flight was on its way to Diavik.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues. 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.” Earlier, just upon a breaking the plane crash news, immediately Rio Tinto issued the statement.
Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Jakob Stausholm said “I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. 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.”
In a row, Burgundy Diamond Mines said, there were no Burgundy employees or contractors on the flight; however, this sad event touches the lives of many people living and working in the Northwest Territories including those associated with Ekati Diamond Mine which Burgundy owns and operates.
Burgundy CEO and Managing Director, Kim Truter extends his deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to family and friends of those directly impacted. “This terrible tragedy will have lasting consequences on our people and local communities, as we are a very close and connected community across the North,” he said. “We have informed our staff about this devastating event and have offered support to those who require it. We are also talking with our suppliers, partners and stakeholders to ensure they have the support they need.”
