Flight Was Diverted To Canada For A Medical Emergency, Then Developed Mechanical Issues

A United Airlines flight from New York to Hong Kong was diverted to Happy Valley-Goose Bay Canada on Saturday night for a medical emergency, and some 250 passengers aboard the Boeing 777 were forced to remain on board overnight as the temperature dropped to -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

The CBC reports that, according to a statement from United, Flight 179 was diverted due to a medical emergency. Medical personnel met the plane and transported that passenger to a hospital.

But then, a mechanical issue, reportedly caused by extreme cold weather, prevented the plane from continuing its flight, and passengers were not allowed to leave the plane because no customs personnel were available to grant them admittance to the country. As the night wore on, the temperature fell well below zero. The crew handed out blankets, but were unable to offer much else to the uncomfortable passengers. Communications with the passengers was "poor", according to at least one person on board the airplane.

There was little to eat or drink on board. About 10 hours into the delay, officials delivered food from Tim Hortons to the stranded travelers.

A rescue plane dispatched by United finally landed about noon Sunday, but it was still another several hours before the passengers were taken by bus to the new aircraft. It was well stocked with food, according to the airline statement.

The alternate plane finally departed back to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey shortly before 4:00 pm local time, according to the report.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report