RCMP confirm fatal plane crash in wooded area south of Nanaimo

RCMP on Vancouver Island say no one survived an early morning plane crash discovered in a rural area southwest of Nanaimo. Officers were called around 3 a.m. to a site near Twilight Way, a forested neighbourhood on the edge of the city, after receiving reports of an aircraft down.

Mounties say the wreckage was found scattered across a large debris field, indicating a significant impact. Police have not released information about the type of aircraft involved or how many people were on board. Specialized units remain at the scene to secure the area and begin documenting evidence.

Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board have been notified and are working with federal and local authorities to gather initial information. The cause of the crash has not been determined. Aviation incidents on Vancouver Island often trigger coordinated responses because of the region’s challenging terrain and regular small-aircraft traffic between island communities and the Lower Mainland.

Local authorities say further details will be provided once next of kin notifications and preliminary assessments are complete.