Passengers fall ill, flight evacuated at Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport

Ten people were taken to hospital from Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport after about a dozen passengers started feeling ill just before takeoff.

Airport spokeswoman Laurianne Lapierre said the passengers presented with vomiting, dizziness and sore eyes.

READ MORE: Carbon monoxide detectors to be mandatory in all Quebec schools: Education Minister

The flight was evacuated and ambulances arrived on the scene around 10:45 a.m. Thursday.

The passengers are being evaluated for “a dangerous substance,” possibly a de-icing product.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

There were about 180 people on flight Air Transat Flight 782, which was heading to Fort Lauderdale, U.S.

WATCH BELOW: Are you protected from carbon monoxide?

4:06 Are you protected from carbon monoxide?

“The evacuation procedure was not respected. They were de-icing the plane when passengers saw white smoke and some started coughing,” a passenger, who didn’t want to be identified, told Global News.

“They then turned off the ventilation and a stewardess, over the intercom, told everyone to take their things and get off the plane.”

“There were small babies that weren’t given priority.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "There were small babies that weren't given priority."

The passenger added that once they got into the passageway heading to the terminal, airport security guards were “stopping people and making a fuss about their duty free purchases.”

Lapierre said the passengers will be put on another flight to their destination.

READ MORE: Some parents keep kids out of LaSalle school as questions mount over carbon monoxide leak

Air Transat told Global News that once the flight crew became aware of the situation, the captain ordered all passengers off the airplane and co-ordinated deplaning with local airport authorities.

“Emergency services and paramedics were also requested to meet the passengers,” said marketing director Debbie Cabana in an email.

“Our crew acted diligently, in accordance with the appropriate procedures.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "Our crew acted diligently, in accordance with the appropriate procedures."

The company said all passengers aboard the flight will receive compensation.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue,” said Cabana.

— With files from Global’s Raquel Fletcher

rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
Follow @rachel_lau