British Airways flight to Heathrow diverted as crew falls ill

A British Airways flight to London Heathrow was diverted to Canada after crew members fell ill, the airline has said.

A medical emergency was declared on Flight BA286 from San Francisco, forcing the double-decker Airbus A380 to make an emergency landing at Vancouver International Airport.

BA said cabin crew members were taken to hospitals "as a precaution" before being discharged. 

In a statement, the airline said: "We are sorry for the delay to our customers' flight but the safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our top priority."

A spokeswoman for Vancouver Coastal Health hospitals told CBC News that 25 people were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

The diverted flight landed at around 11.30pm (6.30am UK time), a Vancouver Airport spokesperson said.

Images showed the plane on the tarmac surrounded by emergency vehicles.

Vancouver Airport tweeted: "BA286 has landed safely at YVR. Medical personnel on scene to assist."

CNKW Vancouver news anchor Ria Renouf told Sky News: "None of the passengers were taken to hospital but the 25 crew members were taken as a precaution and in some cases for smoke inhalation treatment."

BA said the cause of the incident was under investigation.

It added: "Our ground team at Vancouver has arranged hotel accommodation for the customers and will book them on alternative flights as soon as possible."