Plane overshoots runway at St. John’s International Airport; no injuries reported
There are reported delays at St. John’s International airport after a PAL Airlines charter flight overshot the runway late this afternoon.
NTV News contacted PAL Airlines and they issued this statement. “After landing at St. John’s (CYYT), a PAL Airlines charter flight departed the edge of the runway just prior to the aircraft coming to a complete stop. The PAL team met the flight, passengers disembarked the aircraft and went to our charter facility to meet their awaiting ground transportation.”
Update from 5:13 PM NDT
NTV has learned the TSB (Transportation Safety Board) is deploying two investigators to St. John’s International Airport to investigate a runway overrun that occurred earlier today, involving a De Havilland DHC 8-400 aircraft operated by PAL Airlines.
NTV News is tracking the story and will have more information as it becomes available.
Former St. John’s bar owner on trial for sexual assault facing new charges
Chris Carter — the musician and former bar owner on trial in Supreme court in St. John’s for allegedly sexually assaulting two young girls — appeared in provincial court today to deal with new charges that allege he breached conditions of his release.
The 37-year-old was first arrested in 2021 and charged with eight counts in connection with the sexual assault allegations. Between 2018 and 2021, he reportedly sexually assaulted two young girls in a family that he knew.
However, on Tuesday, the second day of his trial, he was arrested again and taken to the St. John’s city lockup, charged with four counts of breaching conditions of his release. They allege that on the opening days of his trial, outside the courtroom, Carter attempted to have contact with one of the complainants and her family member — when he was ordered not to do so.
Today, when Carter was brought before Judge Harold Porter in provincial court, defence lawyer Iain Hollett said he wants to review the evidence before determining whether there will be a bail hearing. The case is due back in provincial court May 7 for a status update.
Meanwhile, Carter’s trial in Supreme Court is scheduled to resume this afternoon.
The first girl, 17, testified earlier this week that Carter sexually assaulted her about 70 times. She said she was scared of him and that she was traumatized by the experience. The second complainant, 20, had the video interview with RNC played in court yesterday afternoon and is expected to continue this afternoon.
Carter, who had owned the bar Valhalla, saw his case spark much outrage in the community, with several protests held outside court and the creation of a Facebook group, named. ‘Supporting survivors of Chris Carter’s abuse,’ which now has over 1,800 members.
Public Vigilance Encouraged as Forest Fire Season Set to Commence
The 2024 forest fire season for the province begins today (May 1) for the island portion of the province, while May 15 is the beginning of forest fire season in Labrador, with both remaining in effect until September 30.
The public is reminded a permit to burn must be obtained from a provincial forest management district office to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. A permit is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations. Anyone planning outdoor fires should first check the provincial online forest fire hazard rating maps to determine the level of forest fire risk. Fire hazard maps can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website and are updated daily. To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).
Impaired driving charges pending following investigation of snowmobile crash
A 60-year-old man will face charges of impaired operation by Forteau RCMP following an investigation into a snowmobile crash that occurred on a pond in Forteau on February 27, 2024.
Just before 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 27, police received the report of the crash on First Pond and attended the scene. The driver was seriously injured and was transported via ambulance to Forteau Hospital. He was airlifted to St. John’s for further treatment at the Health Sciences Centre.
At the time of the crash, the operator was believed to be impaired. However, given the extent and severity of his injuries, breath samples were not possible. Instead, police obtained a warrant under the Criminal Code and samples of the driver’s blood were collected at the hospital for testing
The blood sample was sent for analysis and results were received last week, confirming that at the time of the crash, the operator’s blood alcohol concentration was above the legal limit.
The man currently remains in hospital recovering from his injuries. His license has been suspended and he will appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired driving.
Police investigating theft of dirt bike
Bay St. George RCMP is investigating the theft of a dirt bike that was stolen from a residence in Port au Port East. On April 16, police received the report. The dirt bike was taken from an exterior shed on the owner’s property on Oceanview Drive sometime between the evening of April 14 and the morning of April 15.
The bike is a 2002 Yamaha TTR 250 four-stroke. It is blue in colour and is missing the plastic covering of the gas tank. The muffler has been painted black and the kick stand is secured in place by a piece of rope.
Local efforts to locate the dirt bike, including the deployment of RCMP Police Dog Services when the theft was reported, have been exhausted. Bay St. George RCMP asks anyone having information about this crime, the person(s) responsible, or the current location of the dirt bike to contact the detachment at 709-643-2118. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Provincial Government Invests $550,000 to Support Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training
The Department of Health and Community Services has provided $550,000 in funding to the Canadian Mental Health Association to support mental health and suicide prevention training initiatives.
This funding will enable CMHA-NL to continue to partner with Lifewise NL and Richard’s Legacy Foundation for Survivors of Suicide Loss to provide essential training programs across the province. This aligns with the recommendations in Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador to increase access to evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention training, thereby enhancing community resources and creating more resilient and supportive communities.
Building upon earlier funding, 62 courses have been offered with 630 people attending training in either Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) or SafeTalk across the province as of March 2024. This investment will further support a coordinated and efficient approach to mental health training across the province.
Centralizing training with CMHA-NL, in collaboration with Lifewise NL and Richard’s Legacy Foundation for Survivors of Suicide Loss, will also help streamline administration, reduce per-participant costs, and allow Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion (CAPMHP) Program funds historically used for this purpose to support additional community initiatives.
Budget 2024 includes more than $17 million to help improve access to mental health and addictions services by expanding options for individuals seeking help when and where needed.
S’Myelin Warriors and Critters N Things Team Up for the “Paws for MS”
On Saturday, May 11 the S’Myelin Warriors community group, in collaboration with Critters N Things, will host the “Paws for MS” walk in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
All proceeds from the event go towards helping those affected by chronic illnesses manage their mental health. Illnesses like MS can have a profound impact on mental health, contributing to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety.
The walk gets underway at Critters N’ Things in Mount Pearl. The registration fee is $10.00. The 5-kilometre walk with pets will be followed by a celebration and informational booths about MS and mental health hosted by Critters N Things.
Formal Hearings to be held in Sheshatshiu next month
The Commissioners of the Inquiry Respecting the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System are convening two weeks of Formal Hearings at the Sheshatshiu Ussiniun Youth Centre in June.
The first will take place from June 3 to 7, and the second, from June 24 to 28.
These hearings will provide an opportunity for the Commissioners to hear from witnesses about Innu health and well-being, Innu history, and the impact of child welfare in Innu communities.
Clinical mental health supports will be available.