The Canadian Military is sending an investigative team to Kamloops to examine the Snowbird plane crash that killed a member of the flight team, and seriously injured one other member.
Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian said during a media conference on Sunday that the military investigative team will be arriving soon, and the affected area will be closed off until the investigation is complete.
"In the meantime, the Birds are grounded here in Kamloops and we have extended everything that the City of Kamloops and Kamloops Airport can do for the Snowbirds team while they are here," he said.
Sources have confirmed that the victim in the crash was Captain Jenn Casey, a Public Affairs Officer for the Canadian Armed Forces. One other person was injured in the crash. They were transported to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with serious injuries.
The Snowbird plane crashed onto the property of 2454 Glenview Avenue, which led to a severe structure fire that caused significant damage, said Kamloops Fire Rescue Chief Michael Adams. He added that it's difficult to determine if the house was struck by the plane or only sustained damage from debris.
Initial reports say that two occupants were inside the home. But, multiple sources, including Adams, confirmed residents inside were uninjured and have been moved to temporary housing.
That area includes about five or six houses, which are being serviced by Kamloops emergency support services to provide alternate accommodations. There was a large amount of debris from the crash that spread outward in a three-home proximity, explained Adams.
"This has been a very startling and shocking incident in your neighbourhood," Adams said, directing his comments at the affected Brocklehurst neighbourhood.
"Yesterday was inspirational in Kamloops because Operation Inspiration performed here yesterday... and so this accident today really shakes us to our core but we will respond to it in every way that we can to support the Canadian Military as well as the women and men in service."
Emergency operations centres have been established at the Kamloops Airport and at Kamloops Fire Rescue's Hall #1. Christian said he spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday, as well as Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan, noting they will be issuing statements later today.
