Small Plane Crash Near Bonnyville Draws Crowds, No Injuries Reported
The RCMP have confirmed they responded to a small-plane crash in the Bonnyville area on December 7. Despite the dramatic scene and growing traffic congestion, no injuries were reported.
Pilot Walks Away Unharmed
According to the RCMP, the pilot was the only person on board and was able to exit the aircraft on his own. He was assessed on scene and did not require medical attention.
Safety Professional First on Scene
Tim Graham, who works in safety training at Astec Safety and has 14 years of experience as a firefighter and first responder, was one of the first people to arrive immediately after the crash. He spoke exclusively with Lakeland Connect about what he saw.
“I was on scene immediately after it happened,” Graham said. “I offered rescue, first aid, and traffic control… and none were required as the pilot was alone, had just gotten out of the plane and was walking and talking, and declined my offer of first aid.”
Graham said he passed along information and photos to Lakeland Connect to make sure the public was aware of the hazard as traffic began to build near the scene.
“The highway was becoming crowded and crazy,” he said.
Crowds and Safety Concerns
Graham noted he did not stay to set up traffic control because fire crews had already been dispatched, and he and his family were heading home from a five-hour hockey trip. He added that large crowds rushing to crash scenes can become dangerous for both first responders and other motorists.
“I know well the issues that come with people who have to drive out to see, take pictures, or cause havoc for people working the scene,” he said. “As well as those already on the highway not having a warning ahead of time.”
A Message to the Community
“If anyone is upset by this, my apologies,” Graham said. “In the same situation (with no major injuries or fatalities), I will make the same decision every time.”
RCMP and emergency crews cleared the scene later that evening. The cause of the crash has not yet been released.
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Small Plane Crash Near Bonnyville Draws Crowds, No Injuries Reported
The RCMP have confirmed they responded to a small-plane crash in the Bonnyville area on December 7. Despite the dramatic scene and growing traffic congestion, no injuries were reported.
Pilot Walks Away Unharmed
According to the RCMP, the pilot was the only person on board and was able to exit the aircraft on his own. He was assessed on scene and did not require medical attention.
Safety Professional First on Scene
Tim Graham, who works in safety training at Astec Safety and has 14 years of experience as a firefighter and first responder, was one of the first people to arrive immediately after the crash. He spoke exclusively with Lakeland Connect about what he saw.
“I was on scene immediately after it happened,” Graham said. “I offered rescue, first aid, and traffic control… and none were required as the pilot was alone, had just gotten out of the plane and was walking and talking, and declined my offer of first aid.”
Graham said he passed along information and photos to Lakeland Connect to make sure the public was aware of the hazard as traffic began to build near the scene.
“The highway was becoming crowded and crazy,” he said.
Crowds and Safety Concerns
Graham noted he did not stay to set up traffic control because fire crews had already been dispatched, and he and his family were heading home from a five-hour hockey trip. He added that large crowds rushing to crash scenes can become dangerous for both first responders and other motorists.
“I know well the issues that come with people who have to drive out to see, take pictures, or cause havoc for people working the scene,” he said. “As well as those already on the highway not having a warning ahead of time.”
A Message to the Community
“If anyone is upset by this, my apologies,” Graham said. “In the same situation (with no major injuries or fatalities), I will make the same decision every time.”
RCMP and emergency crews cleared the scene later that evening. The cause of the crash has not yet been released.
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