Prince George RCMP has confirmed the fatality of an individual following an emergency landing of a plane on Foothills Boulevard, approximately 1.5 kilometers north of North Nechako Road. The RCMP reported the involvement of two motor vehicles in the incident. A statement from the RCMP expressed sadness over the fatality of one person in one of the vehicles, with the condition of other vehicle occupants and plane passengers currently unknown.
Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of the area as Foothills Boulevard has been shut down in both directions, with closure expected to last overnight and into the following day. The Transportation Safety Board will assume control of the investigation, as emergency crews responded to the scene of a small aircraft’s apparent emergency landing in northern Prince George.
The incident, occurring around 2:30 p.m. PT, took place on Foothills Boulevard near Highland Drive, prompting a response from the B.C. Emergency Health Services. BCEHS dispatched ambulances with primary care paramedics, link and referral units, a paramedic supervisor, and an area manager to the scene, where they assessed ten patients, two of whom were subsequently transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Witness Mohit Arora recounted the plane descending onto the road, with the left wing colliding with a pickup truck, resulting in injuries to the truck’s driver. Arora narrowly avoided the aircraft’s propeller striking his own vehicle, describing the experience as traumatic. RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper mentioned the involvement of two cars in the incident, emphasizing the unpredictability of the situation for drivers.
Prince George Fire Rescue acknowledged their response to a “serious motor vehicle incident involving a plane,” while the Transportation Safety Board identified the aircraft as a Beech King Air 200, sending a team to investigate. Visual evidence captured by Arora depicted the damaged aircraft, including a broken propeller on the road and a yellow car and debris-covered pickup truck at the scene.
Authorities have urged people to avoid the area due to road closures expected to last a significant duration.