Six people were killed and one survivor was airlifted to the hospital following an airplane crash in northern
The Northwestern Air Lease plane crashed Tuesday near
The sole survivor was taken to the
All next of kin have been notified by the
"Our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by yesterday's tragic event,"
"Please give everyone time to grieve the loss of our treasured coworkers, friends, family and community members. During this difficult period let us be there for each other so we can get through this together."
Northwestern
Rio Tinto, the operator of the diamond mine, said it had chartered the flight, and that the five passengers on board were its employees.
"We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues," Rio Tinto Chief Executive
"I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy."
Stausholm said he will be heading to the
"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," he said.
The incident is being investigated by the
The TSB described the crash in a preliminary report sent to UPI as an "accident" that occurred at
"Shortly after take-off on Runway 30, the aircraft collided with terrain," the report reads. "There was a post impact fire and the aircraft was destroyed."
Four TBS investigators were deployed to the site on Wednesday and are currently in the field phase of their investigation, the agency told UPI in a statement.
"Investigators will collect data, conduct witness interviews, examine and photograph the wreckage and the accident site," it said.
The local health and social services authority activated its mass casualty protocol at
The legislative assembly of the
"This is devastating for
A candle vigil has been organized for Wednesday night at
"The recent loss of many of our friends or family members on a flight to the diamond mine has hit all of us very hard," the vigil notice states. "That's why we gather tonight. We can comfort each other by prayer, song and our heartfelt thoughts."
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