A ground handling employee tragically died this week after being struck by a passenger aircraft at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport in Quebec, Canada, officials confirmed.
The fatal incident on Monday involved an Airbus A350 operated by French Bee, a low-cost carrier, according to information released by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
The worker, whose identity has not been released by airport authorities, was employed by Samsic, a ground-handling services company.
French Bee stated that the accident occurred during the aircraft's pushback procedure, though the precise circumstances surrounding the event are still being determined. The airline affirmed its full cooperation with Canadian authorities, pledging to provide all necessary assistance to aid the ongoing investigation.
In response to the tragedy, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) officials expressed profound sorrow. Yves Beauchamp, ADM's president and chief executive officer, conveyed his condolences, stating, "The loss of a member of our airport community affects us all deeply."
Beauchamp added, "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."
ADM also confirmed it is collaborating with its partners to offer support and aid to both employees and passengers who witnessed the distressing event.
Investigation Underway
ADM has been actively cooperating with the investigative bodies since the start of their work. Furthermore, the Quebec coroner's office has been informed of the fatality and is conducting its own inquiry into the causes and specific conditions of the death.
Out of respect for the victim and their family, ADM indicated it would not offer further comments and referred all media inquiries to the lead investigative authorities.
Recent Airport Fatalities Highlight Safety Concerns
This tragic incident in Montreal follows two other fatal occurrences at major North American airports within recent months.
Earlier this year, an employee of Delta Air Lines lost their life at Orlando International Airport when an airport tug vehicle collided with a jet bridge.
Around the same period, a Frontier Airlines jet fatally struck an individual walking on a runway at Denver International Airport.