Condolences across the country are being shared following a Ukrainian airline crash in Iran.
All 176 people, including 63 Canadians, were killed in the crash minutes after the Boeing 737-800 took off from Tehran’s International Airport to Kyiv.
In the Cariboo, MP and Conservative Minister of Transport, Todd Doherty says he is devastated.
“That number could change because we understand that many of the people that were on board that aircraft had dual citizenship,” Doherty said.
“So absolutely devastating. It’s probably the worst foreign plane crash involving the loss of Canadian lives ever.”
Doherty adds while it is early and the details of the cause the crash remains to be seen, he is firmly committed to working with the Minister of Transport in pursuit of the answers the families of the Canadian victims expect during this most difficult time.
“Whatever the cause I think we can all agree that this is a devastating loss for the families of the loved ones that were on that aircraft,” Doherty says.
“I think what we should be focusing on right now is over the course of the coming days and weeks we’ll start to learn more about the Canadians that were lost…I think as a nation we should be holding them in our hearts and doing whatever we can to lift up their families and friends as they go through this period of loss.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who has also shared his sadness and shock in regards to the crash says their government will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that the crash is thoroughly investigated and that Canadians’ questions are answered.
Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer also issued the following statement on the fatal incident:
“I was saddened to hear of the Ukraine International Airlines plane crash which has claimed the lives of 63 Canadians. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their lives in this tragedy and we mourn with those who lost loved ones today.
“While it is still early in the investigation, I hope the families of these victims will soon have answers for what caused this crash.”
At least 30 residents of Edmonton including a wedding party, 6 students from universities in southern Ontario, and numerous students from Toronto were killed.
The cause of the crash is not known but Iranian authorities say they believe it was a mechanical failure.
– with files from Rebecca Dyok, My Cariboo Now