Two South Tyrolean entrepreneurs and the pilot of the aircraft died in a helicopter crash in a Canadian ski resort on Monday afternoon (Canadian time). South Tyrolean and Canadian media reported this on Tuesday, citing the heli-skiing company that offered the flight in the province of British Columbia. Four other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The South Tyroleans who died in an accident are said to be a 29-year-old and a 35-year-old. Three other South Tyrolean skiers aged 34 and 35 as well as a ski guide were seriously injured.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed his deep condolences to the families. The Foreign Ministry in Rome said he had instructed the Consulate General in Vancouver to provide the injured as much assistance as possible. The Italian Consulate General in Vancouver is in contact with local authorities and hospitals.
During heli-skiing, winter sports enthusiasts are flown to a summit by helicopter. From there the descent through deep powder snow begins. “It is impossible to express the deep sadness in words,” the company’s managing director was quoted as saying. “The guests who ski with us and the employees who work with us every season are part of our family.” According to information, the crash occurred on Monday afternoon north of the town of Terrace, almost 700 kilometers northwest of Vancouver.
The helicopter was an Agusta A119 Koala that could transport up to eight people, the news website “Global News” reported. It was initially not known how many people were on board. For the time being, no information was given about a possible cause of the accident.