Indian National Dies in Canada Plane Crash; Consulate Extends Support

New Delhi: An Indian national, Gautam Santhosh, lost his life in a tragic air crash near Deer Lake airport in Newfoundland, Canada, on July 26. The incident involved a small commercial survey aircraft and claimed the lives of both individuals onboard.

Confirming the news, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. In a statement posted on X, the Consulate said it is in close contact with Santhosh’s family and Canadian authorities to offer all necessary support.

Santhosh, originally from Kerala, was employed by Kisik Aerial Survey Inc., a company based in Delta, British Columbia. He was aboard a Piper PA-31 Navajo twin-engine aircraft operated by the company when the crash occurred.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft were declared dead at the scene. The company’s owner, Andrew Naysmith, expressed profound grief, stating that the team was “devastated and heartbroken by this loss” and extended sympathies to the victims’ families.

Naysmith also noted that while his company would assist in every possible way, any official information, including the names of the deceased, would be released by the authorities handling the investigation.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an inquiry into the cause of the crash. The aircraft involved is typically used for aerial survey operations and can carry up to eight passengers.

The Consulate’s outreach and assurance of support to the bereaved family have been acknowledged by the Indian community, as tributes pour in for Santhosh.