Plane crash in Canadian Arctic kills 12

Twelve people have died after a chartered passenger jet crashed in Canada's Arctic region.

Three people survived Saturday's downing of the First Air flight, which was traveling from Yellowknife to Resolute Bay, when it came down not far from its destination.

Fifteen people were aboard the flight, including four crew members, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The flight's passenger list has not been released, but police said the survivors were two adults and a child.

They were taken to the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, with one of the adults reported to be in critical condition.

The plane crashed shortly before 1pm local time, with witnesses telling the Associated Press news agency that it had slammed into a small hill near Resolute Bay's airport.

In a statement, First Air said the plane's last reported communication came 10 minutes before the crash.

CBC News reported that helicopters and medical personnel from the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre at CFB Trenton were at the site.

The cause of the crash is being investigated.