November 17, 2008

RCMP release details of investigation into Thormanby Island plane crash

The RCMP have released the following statement regarding their investigation into the plane crash that took the lives of five Kiewit workers and one Finning Canada employee on Sunday, November 16, 2008.

On the evening of November 17, 2008, the four Emergency Response Team members remained on the mountain without incident. The weather cooperated, although it was very cold. With the support of the RCMP Patrol Vessel Lindsay, the ERT members retained the security of the site of the plane crash.

At 7:30 a.m. on November 18, the investigative crew left the government dock at Half Moon Bay on a police vessel to the crash site. Two members of the Coroner's Service of BC and two anthropologists from the Simon Fraser University Forensic Research Centre were transported to the site. These forensic anthropologists have the specialized skills and equipment needed to document the evidence.

The RCMP Air 8 Helicopter has been airlifting personnel and equipment to the site on the Island and bringing in food to the investigators. Over 20 investigators have been on the site, including 18 RCMP and four Coroner’s Service representatives.

The Lower Mainland District police service and the Coroner’s Service have retained a local helicopter service to airlift the seven bodies from the site. The remains will be transported to a Lower Mainland facility.

The RCMP Chaplin has also been on site, providing support to the RCMP and Coroner’s Service investigation teams.

Other agencies with interest in this case will have access to the site as of November 19.

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