The tarmac at Vancouver International Airport erupted into a scene of controlled chaos Sunday morning when a Westjet Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine fire shortly after landing, forcing the emergency evacuation of 50 passengers and crew via inflatable slides.
Flight WS706 from Calgary had just touched down at approximately 9:15 a.m. when ground crews noticed flames emanating from the aircraft’s right engine. According to airport officials, the pilot immediately initiated emergency protocols after being alerted by the control tower.
“I heard a loud pop and then saw flight attendants sprinting toward the front of the plane,” recalled passenger Maya Desjardins, who was seated near the affected engine. “Within seconds, the captain announced we needed to evacuate immediately—no personal items, just move.”
The evacuation unfolded with remarkable efficiency. All eight emergency exits were deployed simultaneously, with inflatable slides extending to the tarmac as flight attendants directed passengers with practiced precision. Airport emergency response teams arrived within two minutes of the alarm, quickly containing the fire before it could spread beyond the engine housing.
Transport Canada investigator Carlos Menendez confirmed that 47 passengers and 3 crew members evacuated without life-threatening injuries, though 12 individuals were treated at the scene for minor abrasions and stress-related symptoms. Three passengers were transported to Richmond Hospital for further evaluation.
“This incident demonstrates why we drill evacuation procedures so extensively,” said YVR Operations Director Amrita Singh. “From fire detection to complete evacuation took under 90 seconds—exactly as our safety protocols demand.”
The aircraft, tail number C-GYWJ with 15 years in service, had undergone its scheduled maintenance check just three weeks prior. Preliminary investigation suggests a fuel line rupture may have triggered the fire, though the Transportation Safety Board has cautioned against speculation until their analysis is complete.
Westjet has already arranged accommodation for affected passengers and deployed their emergency response team to provide support. The airline’s CEO James Henderson issued a statement commending the “exceptional professionalism demonstrated by our flight crew and YVR’s emergency responders.”
This incident marks the second emergency evacuation at a Canadian airport in 2025, following a similar event at Toronto Pearson in March. Aviation safety experts at CO24 Breaking News note that while engine fires are relatively rare, Canadian carriers maintain rigorous training specifically for such scenarios.
The affected runway reopened at 3:45 p.m., causing moderate delays throughout the day but no flight cancellations. YVR officials expect normal operations to resume by early Monday morning.
As investigation continues, transport authorities will determine whether this incident indicates a broader maintenance concern or represents an isolated mechanical failure. Meanwhile, passengers like Desjardins are simply grateful for the outcome: “It was terrifying sliding down that chute, but when I looked back and saw everyone made it out safely—that’s when I realized how incredibly prepared these professionals really are.”
