PRINCE GEORGE — An aircraft forced to make an emergency landing on a busy city street in Prince George on Aug. 20 struck multiple vehicles and later was linked to the death of a person in one of those cars, company officials confirmed Friday.
Crash on Foothills Boulevard
Finlay Minerals Ltd. said three people associated with its PIL Property exploration program were aboard the aircraft when the pilot made an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard in the afternoon. The company said the aircraft was operated by Sekani Air Ltd. and was transporting personnel south on a scheduled break from work on the PIL project.
In a news release, Finlay confirmed that the plane struck several vehicles as it came down and that a person in one of those vehicles has since died. The company did not release the identity of the deceased and expressed condolences to the family.
“On behalf of Finlay Minerals and all our associated contractors, we extend our most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”
Finlay also stated that its three associated personnel are safe and at home. It said other passengers aboard the aircraft — including workers from other mineral exploration companies and the pilot — were safe and uninjured.
Investigation under way
Transport Canada has opened an investigation into the aviation incident. The federal agency typically examines factors such as aircraft maintenance, pilot certification, weather conditions, and air-traffic activity in such probes, though no preliminary findings have been released in this case.
The company reiterated its commitment to the safety of employees, contractors and the public, saying it will support project crew members and families as needed and will provide updates while the investigation proceeds.
Known facts
- Date: Aug. 20, 2026 (afternoon)
- Location: Foothills Boulevard, Prince George, B.C.
- Operator: Sekani Air Ltd. (aircraft operator named by Finlay)
- Passengers: Three Finlay-related personnel plus other mineral exploration workers and the pilot; all Finlay-related personnel reported safe
- Casualties: One person in a vehicle struck by the aircraft has died; other aboard passengers uninjured
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Finlay personnel aboard | Safe |
| Other passengers | Reported uninjured |
| Person in struck vehicle | Deceased |
| Investigation | Transport Canada investigating |
Local impact and context
Prince George is a regional hub for northern B.C. exploration and resource activity, and small aircraft are commonly used to transport crews between remote sites and town. An emergency landing on an arterial street underscored the hazards that can arise when aircraft operate near populated areas.
Foothills Boulevard is a busy corridor that carries commuters and service traffic. An incident on such a thoroughfare can quickly involve multiple vehicles and bystanders, complicating emergency response and amplifying consequences for people on the ground.
What to expect next
Transport Canada’s investigation may take weeks or months depending on the complexity of the event. Final reports from federal aviation probes typically include a factual chronology, analysis of contributing factors and safety recommendations aimed at preventing recurrence. Until the investigation concludes, officials will generally withhold conclusions about cause.
Finlay Minerals said it will provide updates as appropriate. Neither the company’s release nor initial reporting named the deceased or detailed the condition of the struck vehicles. Local police or emergency services statements were not included in Finlay’s release.
For residents and commuters in Prince George, the episode is a reminder of the intersection of industrial aviation and urban life across northern B.C. — and the real human cost when things go wrong.
Mei-Ling Wong is WE NEWS’s British Columbia correspondent, covering stories at the crossroads of growth, environment and community in the West Coast region.
