In this post are the updates that are available regarding the explosion. We will post updates as they become available or you can check the Travel Alerts page on the WestJet website and WestJet's Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Updates from WestJet

First update from WestJet: 

November 14, 2010

Calgary, Alberta

Incident at the Grand Riviera Princess resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

WestJet and WestJet Vacations have received word of an incident today, November 14, 2010, at the Grand Riviera Princess resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. There are reports that an explosion occurred at the property. WestJet and WestJet Vacations have representatives at the hotel right now. We are attempting to gather additional information about what happened and whether any of our guests are involved.

A toll-free number has been established by WestJet and WestJet Vacations to assist resort guests’ friends and family members in Canada and the U.S. who want information. The number is 1-866-786-6311. In Mexico, the number is 001-215-352-3902.

We will provide updates as new information becomes available on www.westjet.com.

Second update from WestJet: 

Update on the incident at the Grand Riviera Princess resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico – 8:28 p.m. MT, November 14, 2010

Mexican government authorities are now confirming a number of fatalities and injuries following an explosion at the Grand Riviera Princess resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on the morning of Sunday, November 14.

WestJet Vacations has approximately 400 guests staying at the Grand Riviera Princess resort. We cannot confirm at this time if any of our guests are among those injured or deceased.

WestJet and WestJet Vacations representatives met with some of our guests at the resort on the evening of November 14. Crisis counsellors are being made available and an additional aircraft, with members of WestJet’s Special Assistance Team on board, is being flown to Cancun, Mexico, tonight to retrieve those guests who wish to return home.

A toll-free number has been established by WestJet and WestJet Vacations to assist the resort guests’ friends and family members in Canada and the U.S. The number is 1-866-786-6311. In Mexico, the number is 001-215-352-3902.

We will provide updates as new information becomes available on www.westjet.com.

Update from Twitter on the WestJet Family & Friends hotline:

WJ Family & Friends hotline for inquiries about WJ guests at Grand Riviera Princess: CAN/US 1-866-786-6311& MEX 001-215-352-3902

Update from WestJet's Facebook:

WestJet and WestJet Vacations confirm that three of their guests are among the deceased as a result of an apparent gas explosion at the Grand Riviera Princess in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on Nov. 14, 2010. “This is tragic. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “We are working with both Mexican and Canadian officials to provide assistance where needed.”

WestJet et Vacances WestJet confirment que trois de leurs invités sont décédés suite à une explosion qui aurait été causée par du gaz au Grand Riviera Princess à Playa del Carmen, Mexique, le 14 nov. 2010. « C’est tragique. Nos pensées et prières vont aux familles, » a dit Gregg Saretsky, président de WestJet. « Nous travaillons avec les autorités du Canada et du Mexique afin d’apporter notre aide. »

Second update from WestJet's Facebook:

Update on the contact information for inquiries related to the incident at the Grand Riviera Princess resort. Anyone with questions about resort guests are advised to contact DFAIT at 1-800-267-6788 or sos@international.gc.ca. To speak to WestJet Vacations about a booking inquiry, please call 1-888-581-9499 in Canada and the U.S. or 001-800-514-7288 in Mexico.

Third update from WestJet's Facebook:

Many guests have questions about their upcoming trips to the Mayan Riviera. To speak to WestJet Vacations about a booking inquiry, please call 1-888-581-9499 in Canada and the U.S. or 001-800-514-7288 in Mexico. Anyone with questions about the well-being of a Canadian citizen that was involved in the explosion at the Grand Riviera Princess is advised to contact DFAIT at 1-800-267-6788 or sos@international.gc.ca

Update from WestJet:

November 17, 2010

3:18 p.m. MST

Due to the incident that has occurred at the Grand Riviera Princess Resort in Playa del Carmen, WestJet Vacations will be offering guests currently scheduled to stay at this property with options to modify their booking.  Detailed information can be provided by calling WestJet Vacations at 1-877-737-7001.  Guests are encouraged to call and make re-accommodation arrangements as soon as possible.

News Coverage

• CBC: Mexico blast cause probed
• The Globe & Mail: 5 Canadians Killed in a Mexico hotel blast identified
• CTV: Details emerge about victims of deadly Mexico blast
• National Post: Five Canadians killed as explosion tears through Mexican hotel
• New York Times: 7 Killed by Blast in Mexico Resort