THUNDER BAY – The crash of a small plane near the North Spirit Lake First Nation has generated a need for support in the First Nation. Residents rushed out to try to save the people onboard. They used snow to try to help extinguish the flames. They were able to rescue one survivor. On Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at approximately 11:30AM EST, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Trenton of the crash of a small plane.
A fund has been established to assist the family of Martha Campbell one of the victims in this tragedy. (Click here for details)
The Keystone Air Service flight was on route from Winnipeg to the North Spirit Lake First Nation. Members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) from the North Spirit Lake First Nation and the OPP North West Region responded to this remote location to assist JRCC in the search and rescue effort.
The deceased have been identified as: Martha Campbell, a 38 year old female from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Colette Eisinger, a 39 year old female from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ben Van Hoek, a 62 year old male from Carmen, Manitoba, and Fariborz Abasabady, a 41 year old male who was the pilot.
Brian Shead, a 36 year old male from Winnipeg, Manitoba was injured and survived.