Rio Tinto said it had been informed by authorities that a plane on its way to its Diavik diamond mine crashed near Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada. Four Diavik employees were killed along with two airline crew members. A fifth Diavik employee survived the crash and is being treated at a local hospital.
“I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm. “As a company we are absolutely devastated by this news and offering our full support to our people and the community who are grieving today.
“We are working closely with authorities and will help in any way we can with their efforts to find out exactly what has happened.”