Four residents of St. Theresa Point died after a bush plane crashed near Makepeace Lake. National Post
Four residents of St. Theresa Point First Nation died Saturday after a bush plane crashed near Makepeace Lake, RCMP confirmed. The crash left the pilot, a 20-year-old man, with serious injuries, but he is expected to survive. The victims included two men, aged 53 and 49, and two women, both 50.
Emergency Response
Island Lake RCMP received an alert from a satellite emergency service on an iPhone, which pinpointed the plane’s location about 40 kilometres south of St. Theresa Point. Sgt. Paul Manaigre said the RCMP chartered a helicopter to reach the site. The helicopter landed roughly 500 metres away, and an officer hiked to the scene after dark.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Personnel from CFB Trenton joined the rescue. Two technicians parachuted in to assist the RCMP officer. Authorities confirmed all four passengers died at the scene. The pilot was transported for medical care and is expected to recover.
Aircraft Details
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) reported the plane was a float-equipped DeHavilland DHC-2 Beaver, a single-engine aircraft first introduced in the 1940s. The TSB is gathering information and deciding whether to send investigators to the crash site.
Alair MHA Enterprises, which operates six planes, including two Beavers from St. Theresa Point, confirmed the crashed aircraft belonged to their fleet but declined further comment.
Community and Official Reactions
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs expressed condolences on Facebook. “We grieve with you. The loss of community members in such a sudden and devastating way is felt across all our Nations,” the post read. “In this time of heartbreak, we stand with St. Theresa Point, holding up the families and community in prayer, love, and strength.”
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also extended his sympathies, speaking with St. Theresa Point Chief Raymond Flett to convey condolences on behalf of the city’s residents.
Remote Community Challenges
St. Theresa Point is a fly-in community, making air travel essential. Bush planes like the DHC-2 Beaver are commonly used to connect residents with other regions. The remote location complicated rescue efforts and required both air and ground response late into the evening.
The tragedy has left the community and families of the victims in deep mourning. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, while emergency and aviation teams work to provide support to the survivors and the affected community.
