Following the tragic death of a 39-year-old ground handler at Montreal airport, a passenger on a Paris-bound flight recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing the fatal pushback incident on his in-flight screen. Matthieu Douvenou described seeing the worker stumble on the tarmac as the plane unexpectedly reversed, causing a shockwave felt by passengers onboard French Bee Flight 351.
The victim, identified as Oscar Robayo by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), worked as a ramp agent for Samsic, a company providing airport services in Montreal.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft involved belonged to French Bee and was set to depart for Paris at 6 p.m. ET on Monday. French Bee expressed that the exact circumstances of the accident during the pushback operation are still under investigation.
Emergency services were deployed around 7:30 p.m., and Robayo was swiftly taken to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The airport authority mourned the loss, labeling the event as a “tragic workplace accident.”
Reportedly, the flight was initially scheduled for departure on Sunday but was postponed.
Passenger Accounts
Sharing his experience, Douvenou, who remains in Montreal due to the incident, expressed his distress and lack of confidence in flying after witnessing the tragedy. Passengers aboard the flight felt a noticeable impact and shockwave as the plane jolted during the accident, with some offering assistance and trying to calm others.
Adding to the distress, external cameras on the aircraft, including one beneath the plane, streamed the incident to passengers before being shut off by the crew.
Investigation and Response
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada acknowledged the incident and dispatched a team for investigation. The federal Labour Program initiated an inquiry under the Canada Labour Code into Samsic Assistance Canada Inc., focusing on health and safety obligations.
The airport authority pledged cooperation with the investigation and swiftly provided support to affected individuals. French Bee also stated its cooperation with Canadian authorities in the ongoing inquiry.
