A WestJet plane carrying passengers from Kamloops to Victoria was forced to make an emergency landing at the Kelowna International Airport after experiencing an engine fire. The flight, which had 58 passengers and 4 crew members, landed safely and no injuries were reported. The incident occurred on February 27th, 2023, at approximately 10:20 AM. The plane was flying at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet when the crew detected the engine fire and initiated emergency protocols. The plane was then diverted to the Kelowna airport, where emergency services were waiting.
The passengers were evacuated from the plane and taken to the terminal building, where they received assistance from WestJet staff. The airline is currently working to rebook passengers on alternative flights to their destination.
WestJet has issued a statement thanking the crew for their quick response and professionalism, as well as the emergency services personnel who responded to the incident. The airline is conducting an investigation into the cause of the engine fire and has not yet released any further details. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the professionalism of flight crews in emergency situations. Thanks to the quick response of the crew and the support of emergency services personnel, all passengers and crew members were able to safely evacuate the aircraft.