Ontario air ambulance crash kills pilots and
paramedics
An Ontario air ambulance on its way to pick up a
patient has crashed, killing two pilots and two paramedics.
The
helicopter went down at 00:11 EST (04:11 GMT) on Friday as it took off from
Moosonee, an isolated community on Canada's James Bay.
Ornge, the
province's air ambulance provider, said there was no indication of the cause of
the accident.
But the firm has grounded two other Sikorsky S76
helicopters in case mechanical issues were to blame.
The four people
killed in the crash were identified as Capt Don Filliter, First Officer Jacques
Dupuy, and paramedics Dustin Dagenais and Chris Snowball.
The
Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent investigators to the
scene.
"Everybody at Ornge is deeply saddened by this tragic incident,
and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their
lives," the company's chief executive Andrew McCallum said in a statement
pledging co-operation with investigators.
The company's operating officer
Rob Giguere said all crew members aboard were "very well
experienced".
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she was "devastated" to
learn of the deaths.
"They lost their lives ensuring the people of this
province receive the help they need," she said. "Their service and sacrifice
will be honoured and remembered."
And Prime Minister Stephen Harper
tweeted his sympathies on Friday: "Condolences to the families of the 4 victims
of the Northern Ontario air ambulance crash last night. You are in my thoughts
and prayers".
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