British Airways plane declares medical emergency with passengers and crew hospitalised
The plane was forced divert to Vancouver, Canada after declaring a medical emergency while flying to London from San Francisco
A British Airways plane has been diverted to Vancouver because of a medical emergency after 27 passengers and crew - including three pilots - became ill mid-flight.
Flight BA286 landed in Vancouver, Canada, late Monday night local time after declaring a medical emergency during the journey from San Francisco from London.
The airline said 22 members of the crew, three pilots and two passengers were ill during the flight with the staff taken to hospital for medical checks.
The cause of the medical emergency is still being investigated.
One passenger, Liz Keller, of London, tweeted: "Not reassuring to see firefighters with respirators walking aisles and only be told the crew was taken ill.
"Passengers on BA286 pretty much totally in the dark about what happened on board or what comes next."
Emergency vehicles @yvrairport for #BA286 diversion from sched #SFO - #LHR #Airbus #A380 #GXLEB #Speedbird@british_airways #yvrspotters
#BA286 emergency vehicle escort @yvrairport@British_Airways #Airbus #A380-841 #GXLEB #SFO - #LHR#diversion #yvrspotters #Vancouver #A388
British Airways told the Mirror it would not comment on the cause of the hospitalisation but stressed "no one was treated for smoke inhalation" despite initial reports.
"It was just the crew members who were taken to hospital as a precaution," the spokeswoman said. "We are investigating."
The A380 was reportedly carrying about 400 passengers.
Photos taken at the airport and published on social media show the plane taxiing on the runway while being accompanied by emergency vehicles.
In a statement, British Airways said: "We are sorry for the delay to our customers' flight but the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our top priority.
"The flight from San Francisco diverted to Vancouver after members of the cabin crew became unwell.
"The cabin crew were checked as a precaution at local hospitals before being discharged.
"Our ground team at Vancouver has arranged hotel accommodation for the customers and will book them on alternative flights as soon as possible.”
Ten patients went to Richmond Hospital, another 10 went to the Vancouver General Hospital, and the remaining five went to the Delta Hospital, CBC news reported.
However, by 8am local time this morning, the patients at the Richmond Hospital and the Vancouver General Hospital - 20 of them, all crew - had been treated and released, CBC said.
The status of the other five patients at Delta Hospital was unknown.
Emergency vehicles could be seen surrounding the plane on the tarmac around midnight Monday.
@SteveLowy Hi Steve, customers are being rebooked locally, so please speak to our ground staff for assistance. ^Gareth
@British_Airways I followed instructions on here which seem to be rubbish pic.twitter.com/AvbQLlHyrx
In a letter handed to passengers, the airline said: "I am very sorry for the disruption to your journey today.
"Due to unwell crew in need of medical attention we have had to divert to Vancouver.
"As a result of this diversion the current crews will not be able to operate again today.
"We are making arrangements to accommodate you overnight, our ground staff will be able to advise you wish hotel(s) we will be using."
Passenger Steve Lowy said on Twitter: "British Airways currently in Vancouver having been diverted from SFO to LHR. What are my options for flights. I'm an exec bronze member."
Ms Keller later tweeted of the hotel booking process: "2 people making hotel bookings for a full A380 BA286."
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
