Fly Jamaica flight OJ256, which departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for Toronto, Canada, at 02:10hrs on Friday morning, declared an emergency landing 43 minutes into the flight. The flight, which was estimated to arrive at its designation at 06:55hrs, immediately requested permission to return to the CJIA airport and subsequently landed at 02:53hrs.
On board were 120 persons. There 118 passengers, two infants and the eight crew members (six Guyanese, two Jamaicans). All persons on board have been accounted for. There were 35 Guyanese, one Trinidadian, 82 Canadians, one Pakistani and 11 American citizens on board. There were no broken bones or other serious injuries reported, however, six passengers suffered minors injuries due to the impact to the back of the aircraft. They were rushed to Diamond Diagnostic Hospital where they are currently resting comfortably. All of the baggage is secured and the aircraft’s hold was not breached.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson are both on location. According to Minister Patterson, the CJIA Tower activated emergency protocols in order to protect the integrity of the active crash site. The minister stated that an investigator is in charge of the crash site, which is secured by officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Minister Patterson also added that while the runway has been reopened for normal flight operations, there may be a slight delay with some flights. Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson is providing assistance and guidance to passengers. Air Jamaica, whose staff is on site, is responsible for the care of those affected.
Numbers available for information are 261-2281, 600-7022 The crash site is the same location where a previous accident occurred several years ago. The extended runway was completed but not opened formally. More details will be provided at the full press briefing at 10:00hrs at the airport.
DPI Report
