An Indian national was killed after a small plane crashed near the airport in Newfoundland, Canada at around 5:30 pm local time on Saturday. The town, located in western Newfoundland, has a population of about 5,000.
The Indian Consulate General in Toronto on Tuesday confirmed that Indian national Gautam Santhosh was killed in the crash.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in close contact with the bereaved family and local authorities in Canada to provide all necessary assistance and support,” the mission wrote on X.
With deep sorrow, we mourn the tragic passing of Mr. Gautam Santhosh, an Indian national, who lost his life in an accident involving a commercial survey aircraft near Deer Lake, Newfoundland.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The…
— IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) July 28, 2025
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also confirmed the fatal crash to a CBC reporter at the scene, where first responders were also present.
The plane belonged to BC-based Kisik Geospatial and Aerial Survey. Its owner and accountable executive, Andrew Naysmith, confirmed the fatality in a statement.
“We are devastated and heartbroken by this loss,” he said, CBC reported. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased and their loved ones.”
The aircraft was a Piper Navajo, a twin-engine plane that can carry up to eight passengers. It remains unclear how many people were on board at the time.
Naysmith said the names of the deceased would be released by authorities and added that the company will support the investigation and the families “in any and every way possible.”
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The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation.
