A Canadian Forces Snowbird crashed in a Kamloops neighbourhood Sunday, May 17.
Image Credit: Brie Welton
May 17, 2020 - 4:47 PM
Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian says the snowbird crash that left one dead and another seriously injured this morning has "shaken us to our core."
The snowbirds were set to fly from Kamloops to Comox this morning, when one veered off track and crashed in a Brocklehurst neighbourhood.
The Canadian Forces confirmed one person died and another sustained serious injuries after the crash which occurred at roughly 11:30 a.m., May 17 on Glenview Avenue.
“We can confirm that we have contacted all primary family members of those involved,” according to the Canadian Forces email.
READ MORE: Snowbird crash: Video shows ejections from plane before crash in Kamloops neighbourhood
Emergency crews were on scene on Glenview Avenue this morning after the plane crashed into a house and started a fire. The home's occupants were not injured, according to witness reports.
A pilot was taken to the hospital after he was ejected from the plane, according to witnesses.
Christian spoke in a press conference Sunday afternoon, explaining how the crash has directly impacted the city of Kamloops.
The Canadian Armed Forces will be sending an investigation team to Kamloops, he said. "I want to talk directly to the citizens of Brocklehurst. This has been a startling and shocking incident and it comes on the heels of yesterday. Yesterday was inspirational in Kamloops because Operation Inspiration in Kamloops (was held) and they were widely received and welcomed."
The snowbirds were crossing the country to salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19. This unique mission was aptly dubbed Operation Inspiration, according to the Canadian Forces in a news release.
"This accident today really shakes us to our core, but we will respond to it in every way we can to support the Canadian military as well as the women and men in service," Christian said.
— This story was corrected at 6:46 a.m. May 22. Initial reports from residents that the jet exploded mid-air were not correct.
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