An airport worker has died after being struck by a passenger plane on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Canada on Monday night. The worker was rushed to hospital but tragically succumbed to their injuries, with horrified onlookers reported to have screamed as the incident unfolded.
Incident before Paris flight
The accident took place shortly before a flight was scheduled to depart for Paris. According to local police, preliminary information suggested the jet may have been reversing when it hit the worker. The Paris-based airline French Bee was due to depart at 6am but was delayed until after midnight, Radio Canada reported.
Speaking to Radio Canada, one witness said she saw a man go under the plane as it was moving and reported people panicking on board. She said: "Many were screaming."
Airport and airline response
Yves Beauchamp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal Airport, said: "The loss of a member of our airport community affects us all deeply. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with the employee's family, loved ones and colleagues, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences."
The incident has been reportedly passed to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Investigation underway
A spokesperson for the French Bee airline said on Monday: "The precise circumstances of the incident have not yet been established. French Bee is cooperating fully with Canadian authorities and the various parties involved to help establish the facts. The airline's immediate priority is caring for those affected by the incident and supporting its passengers and crew."
