Plane Crashes Near Diavik Diamond Mine
December 28, 23
(IDEX Online) - A rescue operation is under way after a light aircraft crashed close to Rio Tinto's remote Diavaik diamond mine, in Canada's Northwest Territories.
The two crew and eight passengers on board a de Havilland DHC-6-300 reportedly suffered only minor injuries when the plane came down yesterday (27 December) 300km north-east of Yellowknife.
But strong winds and Arctic conditions are hampering rescue efforts. A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules plane was due to drop two search and rescue paramedics with survival equipment, and then airlift the 10 crew and passengers by helicopter.
Their location has been confirmed by satellite tracking and Air Tindi, the flight operator, says it is in contact with the pilot.
The plane's destination is not known, although it was not heading for Diavik.
File pic of Diavik mine.