One dead in Canadian Forces Snowbird crash in Kamloops

The RCAF has suffered another tragic loss of a dedicated member of the RCAF team. We are deeply saddened and grieve alongside Jenn’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of Captain MacDougall. We hope for a swift recovery from his injuries. – Comd RCAF pic.twitter.com/8U41bdVqcU

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) May 18, 2020

Video and images of the crash were distributed on multiple social media platforms. Video appears to show two people ejecting from the jet as it tumbled to the ground. Witnesses say one person was pulled from the roof of a home on a stretcher and placed into an ambulance.

Chelsy Gyger was across the street from the crash. She says she heard the jet impacting the ground and ran outside to see the wreckage in the yard of a neighbouring house. “We went running across the street and the plane and the house was on fire,” said Gyger. Debris from the crash was thrown into a nearby house. “Oh God, it was just chaos,” she added.

WATCH: (Warning: Some viewers may find this video disturbing. This video includes offensive language. Video Credit: Facebook / Cory Pelton)

Zion Chong witnessed the crash from the Kamloops Airport. Chong told CFJC Today:

“The planes just lifted up and they were flying low and then they started pulling up after they gained some altitude. One plane started to turn left at a sharp angle and then started dropping (like a stunt) nose down. After dropping for a second, I saw a small explosion and saw the pilot eject then the plane just drop and exploded.”

Map courtesy Chad Harris / City TV

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that one member of the CF Snowbirds team has died and one has sustained serious injuries. We can confirm that we have contacted all primary family members of those involved. More information will be communicated in the near future.

— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) May 17, 2020

City of Kamloops officials say Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) crews arrived on scene in minutes and were joined by the Kamloops Airport “crash truck”. KFR is working with several other agencies including the RCMP, BC Ambulance, airport authorities, and Military representatives. KFR Chief Mike Adams confirmed only one house was affected by the fire created from the crash. He said no one was injured in the fire.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted a message, saying, “My thoughts are with the brave members of the @RCAF_ARC. ” He added in a second tweet “I would also like to thank the emergency personnel in Kamloops who responded so quickly to this tragic incident.”

Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo M.P. Cathy McLeod called the crash “a terrible tragedy.” She said “my heart goes out to the families, friends and to all our Canadian Forces members. Just as they were their for us, I know that everyone in Kamloops and every Canadian is there for the Snowbird family now.”

In a late afternoon news conference, Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian says the crash “shakes us to our core.” He acknowledged the joy the Snowbirds had brought to Kamloops one day earlier when the team passed over the city as part of its Operation Inspiration national tour.

The Snowbirds aerobatics team was scheduled to make a trip from Kamloops to Vernon today as part of Operation Inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operation Inspiration started in Nova Scotia earlier this month and features the team’s signature nine-jet formation. It was aimed at boosting morale as Canadians continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheduled start of Sunday’s activities was delayed by rain and low visibility. Operation Inspiration followed a similar initiative south of the border, where the U.S. military’s own flight demonstration teams have been flying in honour of front-line workers and first responders.

The photos of the crash site below have been contributed by Elwood Delaney: