Three people lost their lives when a small plane crashed Friday in Chilliwack, British Columbia, adding another somber chapter to Canada’s ongoing aviation safety record. The incident drew immediate attention from local authorities as they began to piece together what happened in the moments before the dramatic fall that ended in tragedy near a neighborhood motel adjacent to the regional airfield.
Police investigators reported that the crash occurred in the early afternoon along the perimeter of a motel property, not far from the airport, with the exact time recorded as around two o clock in the afternoon local time. The aircraft is described by authorities as a twin-engine light aircraft, and all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Families of those on board were notified through official channels as the magnitude of the event became clear. Official briefings emphasize that the cause of the accident is still unknown and will require a thorough investigation to determine whether mechanical issues, weather conditions, or other factors played a role before the crash.
Emergency services responded promptly, with five ambulances and a paramedic team dispatched to the site to provide care and assess the situation. Two air ambulance helicopters were also scheduled for deployment, but authorities later canceled those assets when it became evident that they would not be required. The response underscores the seriousness of the incident and the immediate steps taken to secure the scene while preserving possible evidence for investigators.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed that investigators would travel to the area to conduct a formal inquiry into the disaster. In statements provided to the press, RCMP stressed that the scene was contained and that there were no additional injuries or risks to the public reported in the vicinity. As the investigation gets underway, officials will review maintenance records, pilot credentials, air traffic control communications, and meteorological data to establish a clear sequence of events and identify any contributing factors. This fatal crash serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of small aviation operations and the importance of rigorous safety protocols across the industry.