Williams Lake Airport Scene of Shut Down

Monday, August 18, 2008 11:43 AM

Williams Lake, BC - RCMP and emergency services in Williams Lake are revieweing the vents of Sunday which resulted in the evacuation of the Williams Lake Airport and the delay of a Vancouver bound flight.

Sunday, morning Williams Lake Airport security located two suspicious pieces of luggage in the airport security screening room, both belonging to the same traveler. The traveler was scheduled to board a flight from Williams Lake to Vancouver. The luggage had indicators of a potential Improvised Explosive Device contained within.

Williams Lake RCMP Members arrived on scene, evaluated the situation, and as a public safety precaution, evacuated the airport (18 passengers, 2 flight crew, 3 non-passenger civilians and 10 airport personnel).

A specialized RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit from Vancouver attended the Airport to examine the two pieces of luggage.

At approximately 7:00 PM, it was determined the two pieces of luggage did not contain any explosives or Improvised Explosive Devices. The airport quickly resumed to it's normal functions. All passengers continued with their travels, boarding a flight to Vancouver.

All evacuated persons remained in the vicinity of the airport in a safe secure location throughout this event.

The Williams Lake RCMP worked closely with the City of Williams Lake, Williams Lake Fire Department, Victim Services, BC Ambulance and PEP Emergency Social Services to ensure that all evacuated people were held safely and properly cared for. The owner of the suspicious luggage was detained by the RCMP until the contents of the luggage could be identified.

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