While the official investigation into a helicopter crash in northern Alberta continues, the lone survivor of the crash is reportedly recovering well in hospital.
Officials have identified the two passengers as biologists Kristina Norstrom and Simon Slater, both who were working with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.
Norstrom and the pilot of the helicopter, identified as Bryce Campbell from Golden, B.C., died in the crash, Slater was rushed to hospital.
RCMP were called to the scene of the crash, located about 128 kilometres north of Fort McMurray just after noon Wednesday.
Police and the Canadian Armed Forces sent aircraft to the scene – it’s believed the helicopter was from the Fort McMurray area.
CTV News has learned officials with AUPE are working with the provincial government to help the families and coworkers of the two people involved in the crash.
“Kristina and Simon are from a fairly small group,” Randy Corbett with AUPE said. “They’ve dispatched the crisis intervention people to contact coworkers and talk to them about any issues that they may have.”
Corbett said Slater is recovering in a Fort McMurray hospital.
CTV News has learned Norstrom and Slater were doing surveillance on caribou populations north of Fort McMurray.
Campbell was working for Aurora Helicopters – a statement from the company thanked emergency crews for their work:
“Our deepest condolences go out to the injured and the families of all of those involved.”
The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash on scene.
“At the site, they’re photographing and measuring the aircraft wreckage,” John Lee with the TSB said. “They’re doing a cursory mechanical examination of the wreckage.”
There’s no word on when the results of the investigation will be released – investigators hope to interview Slater on the events leading up to the crash in the coming days.
With files from Bill Fortier
