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FORT SMITH, N.W.T. — Four passengers and two crew members were killed in a plane crash Tuesday near Fort Smith, N.W.T. The coroner's office in the territory says a lone survivor was airlifted to hospital. 

The plane was headed to the Diavik Diamond Mine when it went down shortly after take off.

Here is some reaction to the crash: 

“The impact of this incident is felt across the territory. The people we lost were not just passengers on a flight; they were neighbours, colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Their stories and contributions to our communities will not be forgotten." — Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson

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"These people are treasured members of our community and their loss touches everyone. We recognize the impact is far reaching and deeply affects everyone. We encourage people to seek support as they need, and our prayers are with you all." — Fort Smith Mayor and Council

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"This is devastating for Fort Smith and the territory as a whole. We all will grieve this loss together. This tragedy will have a lasting impact on all our friends and family across the N.W.T." — Territorial Speaker Shane Thompson 

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"We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues. I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. I am heading to the Northwest Territories to be with our team and to offer our full support. We will be working closely with authorities over the coming days, weeks and months, to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened." — Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto, the company that owns the Diavik mine

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"The tragic incident on Jan. 23 that claimed the lives of our industry colleagues from Diavik Diamond Mines has affected all of us in the tight-knit N.W.T. diamond mining community. On behalf of everyone working at De Beers Group and Gahcho Kué mine, we express our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those we lost and we stand with the community of Fort Smith during this extremely difficult time." — De Beers Canada 

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"Our thoughts are with the Rio Tinto community during this difficult time. We share in the grief with the families of the employees on board and offer our deepest sympathies for their immeasurable loss. Alongside our entire Canadian mining community, we extend our unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time." — Mining Association of Canada 

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"We extend our thoughts to the community of Fort Smith as they deal with a tragic loss of life. We mourn with our South Slave neighbours and note that our love is shared with all who have been impacted." — Hay River Mayor Kandis Jameson

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"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. As a community, we mourn with you for the lives of those lost and we offer our support during this incredibly difficult time." — Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 24, 2024.  

The Canadian Press