2 dead as plane owned by Mount Royal University crashes west of Calgary

Two people are dead after a small plane crashed near Waiparous, west of Calgary, on Monday night.

There were no survivors.

RCMPsaid they received a report of a crash in theWaiparousareaaround at 5:55p.m. The plane was later located in an area near Highway 40 and Highway 579 after a search that involved RCMP officers as well asmilitary, civilian, police and EMSaircraft.

RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters said another plane witnessed the crash and alerted authorities.

Mount Royal University said the crash involved one of their planes.

"Tonight, we are closely watching a serious aviation incident that has occurred northwest of Cochrane, involving an aircraft from Mount Royal University's fleet," said MRU president David Docherty in a written statement.

"Officials with Mount Royal University are currently working with Transport Canada, as well as other authorities including search-and-rescue crews in the area."

MRU did not identify the two occupants of the plane.

Cpl. Peters said the investigation will be taken over by the Transportation Safety Board, with investigators expected on scene Tuesday morning.