Multiple fatalities after plane crashes on Gabriola Island

Several people have died after a plane crashed on the north end of Gabriola Island on Tuesday evening.

“It was terrifying,” said Bette Lou Hagen, who lives 100 metres from where the plane went down at 6 p.m., on Decourcy Drive on the island’s northern peninsular.

“I heard the roaring of an engine, much louder than a car engine, then a loud crash. Then a minute later an explosion.”

Hagen was sitting in her living room reading when the plane went down. She said it was ablaze by the time she went outside.

The B.C. Coroners Service told Postmedia News it had been notified of “multiple fatalities” and was in the preliminary stages of its “fact-finding investigation to determine who died, and how, where, when and by what means the deceased came to their sudden, unexpected deaths.”

Transportation Safety Board investigators are expected to arrive on Wednesday.

A B.C. Emergency Health Services spokesperson said paramedics were called to the area of Ricardo Road and Decourcy Drive at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Ricardo Road links the main island with the peninsula.

The service said there were two ambulances on the island and about five others were transported there via ferry. The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department was also involved as the plane reportedly caught fire after breaking up.

While the type of plane that crashed hasn’t been confirmed, an online flight tracker shows a six-person, twin-engined Piper Aerostar heading north from the U.S. disappeared off the tracker at around 6 p.m., just north of Gabriola Island.

Residents took to Facebook to describe the chaos and warn others.

Paolo Gast wrote “Wow 6:02 witnessed a plane do a low manoeuvre, then straight up, then drop and light show into ocean ... sunset side of twin beach. 6:08 hearing emergency sirens.”

Kristina Wray Baerg posted at 6:30 p.m., “Heard what sounded like an airplane close to the house, then a thump and the house shook!”

Stephanie Reisler responded, “Obviously a tragedy for victims. Also traumatizing for residents of the peninsula — some of whom are elderly and are having war flashbacks and war-related PTSD. Maybe check on these neighbours once things have cleared and settled.”