An airport worker has died after being run over by a passenger jet at Montreal's International Airport on Monday, August 24. The traffic controller was fatally struck by an Airbus A350 French Bee plane, destined for Paris, on the runway.
Incident details
Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft was reversing on the runway when the signaller tripped and was hit by the plane, according to local police. One woman alleged that the man, who remains unidentified, was pulled under the moving plane in front of "screaming" passengers.
Recounting the terrifying incident, one passenger told Radio Canada about witnessing a man being dragged under the moving plane. She described scenes of panic on board, adding: "Many were screaming."
Emergency response
Emergency services rushed to the airport around 7.30pm. The victim was transported to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Yves Beauchamp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal Airport, expressed: "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."
Investigation and airline response
Montreal police have confirmed that the investigation has been transferred to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Investigators remained at the airport on Monday evening, working to establish what occurred and the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The aircraft, run by Paris-based budget long-haul carrier French Bee, was due to take off at 6am but was postponed until past midnight, as reported by Radio Canada. A spokesperson for French Bee stated 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."
