A Terrifying Experience for Passengers

A shocking incident unfolded over the weekend when a WestJet flight from Toronto to Sint Maarten experienced a distressing hard landing, leaving one terrified passenger demanding answers about what went wrong.

An Unsettling Arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport

Around 1 p.m. ET, the flight landed at the famous Princess Juliana International Airport. Although no physical injuries were reported, one passenger, Dave Beddows from Bolton, Ontario, described it as a "traumatic event." "We almost lost our lives," Beddows recounted to CTV News.

Panic in the Cabin

WestJet characterized the landing as a hard one, insisting that emergency slides were deployed and all onboard were safely evacuated to the terminal. However, details about the incident remain scarce.

Beddows, who was seated in the fourth row next to his wife, felt the plane's rapid descent. He urged her to brace herself, fearing the worst as the aircraft swayed unexpectedly. "What was not normal was when I felt that we went over the point of landing," he said.

Confusion and Questions Post-Landing

Passengers were caught completely off guard as there was no prior announcement regarding a potential crash landing. Beddows recalled the plane vibrating and teetering dangerously to one side as it skidded down the runway.

Once on the ground, those onboard were asked to remain seated, even as smoke billowed from the side of the plane where the emergency slides were activated. Firefighters rapidly extinguished the smoke, further heightening Beddows' fear.

Stranded and Frustrated

After disembarking, passengers, including Beddows, were herded through the airport, facing uncertainty about their luggage and critical medications, leading to further stress and frustration. They waited several hours before finally leaving for their resort.

Dave’s story mirrors that of another passenger, John Tzanetakis, who, along with his family, remained stranded in Sint Maarten. They are uncertain about their return home, adding to the feeling of helplessness felt by many.

No Choice but to Hope

Beddows and his wife plan to return to Toronto on Sunday, quipping about their only options: swim or fly. In a rare customer service note, WestJet acknowledged the emotional turbulence passengers experienced, confirming that safety protocols were followed during the chaotic event.

Who’s Responsible? Investigations Underway

Beddows expressed deep frustration with WestJet for their lack of transparency and communication, demanding to know what truly caused the emergency landing and if there will be any compensation.

To address these concerns, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada announced it will investigate the hard landing, gathering information without assigning blame. As passengers await answers, Beddows and countless others are left grappling with the aftermath of this terrifying experience.