One injured in aircraft loading bridge collapse at YVR on New Year’s Day
Posted January 1, 2022 9:35 pm.
Last Updated January 6, 2022 7:30 pm.
After initially saying no one was injured when an aircraft loading bridge collapsed at Vancouver International Airport on Jan. 1, the airport has now confirmed one employee was hurt.
In a statement Thursday, a spokesperson said the staff member was able to “walk away” and that they “reported no injury immediately” after the collapse.
“An employee who works at the airport was in the loading bridge at the time of the equipment failure on Jan. 1, an email reads.
“The individual was encouraged to continue monitoring their health and we understand that it may have evolved in the days thereafter,” an email reads. Out of respect for the employee’s privacy, we aren’t able to further discuss individual health details.”
After receiving tips about this – @yvrairport now says an employee WAS in the loading bridge when it collapsed on New Years. While the employee was able to walk away their injuries got worse. YVR initially said no one was in the bridge, and there were no injuries @CityNewsVAN https://t.co/lninA9J0w0
— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) January 7, 2022
The statement comes after a spokesperson initially told CityNews no one was hurt and there was minimal disruption to passengers when the bridge caved in and crumpled close to where it connected to the unloaded plane.
“We can confirm that earlier today an aircraft loading bridge at YVR experienced an equipment failure. There are no injuries. We are confident this was an isolated incident on one of the bridge components and all equipment at YVR is safe,” a statement sent last Saturday reads.
The flight scheduled to depart from the impacted gate had no passengers onboard. There was a minor delay as the plane switched departure gates but there is no further impact to overall operations at YVR or damage to any aircraft. Sincere apologies to those passengers impacted today and thanks to all for their patience as we investigated and ensured the safety of our passengers, employees and the community.”
Solid work by @Tarnjitkparmar and @godalyshutup. This was the original note we received from @yvrairport on Saturday, shortly after learning of said incident. https://t.co/iwyUlIY3Qt pic.twitter.com/NXNctql8vm
— Paul James (小保) (@pjimmyradio) January 7, 2022
YVR also said it has since inspected all of its bridge equipment, and that the bridge that collapsed would be out of service.
