An “official statement” from the airport in Sint Maarten said there were 164 people on board when a WestJet plane from Toronto made a hard landing on arrival in the Caribbean on Sunday.
“We are relieved to report there were no injuries,” the statement said, though three people were taken for medical examination “out of an abundance of caution.”
The airport stated that it was collaborating “with local partners and heavy equipment providers to safely remove the aircraft from the runway.” The aircraft’s right wing was damaged. Online video shows the WestJet plane, which appears to be tipped to the right, surrounded by emergency vehicles at the airport. The airline said it was fully cooperating with local authorities and that emergency services immediately responded to the plane and deployed foam as a precaution. Dr. Luc Mercelina, also issued a statement commending the “swift response” but emergency responders and saying that “every measure is being taken to ensure that the airport resumes safe operations as soon as possible.”“ The safety and security of travelers, our aviation personnel, and the general public remain our highest priority,” added Mercelina.The airport has advised passengers, family members and anyone else with further questions to contact WestJet directly.
Sint Maarten, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is located on the southern third of the island of Saint Martin, in the northeastern Caribbean Sea and is a popular tropical destination.
The northern two-thirds of the island is considered a semi-autonomous part of France.
WestJet plane makes ‘hard landing’ Sunday at Sint Maarten airport
