A ground handler has died after allegedly being struck by a passenger aircraft that was bound for Paris as it manoeuvred at one of Canada’s busiest airports on Monday.
The employee, who has been identified as Oscar Robayo, 39, was hit by a French bee aircraft as the plane was reversing at Montreal Airport, police said as cited by CBC.
He was rushed to hospital after emergency crews descended on the tarmac about 7.30pm, but later succumbed to his injuries.
In a statement, French bee said the airline was working to determine the “exact circumstances” surrounding the incident.
“At this stage, the exact circumstances of the accident, which occurred during the aircraft pushback operation, remain to be established,” the airline said in a statement to CBC.
A passenger on the budget airline’s flight 351 recalled the horror that ensued onboard as the tragedy unfolded.
“I could see the nose landing gear. And then all of a sudden, it was as if the tarmac worker had stumbled, and then at that moment, the plane backed up and we felt the shock,” Matthieu Douvenou told the outlet.
“I understood very quickly that something very serious had happened.”
Mr Douvenou said he had not been able to shake the shocking ordeal from his memory.
“I still have the images running through my head,” he said.
“Normally I’m not afraid of flying, but right now I’m not very calm.”
Another witness told Radio-Canada that “many passengers were screaming” as the passengers felt the impact of the crash.
Montreal Airport president and CEO Yves Beauchamp paid tribute to the worker, describing the fatality as an “unfortunate and tragic workplace accident”.
“The loss of a member of our airport community affects us all deeply,” he said.
“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 airport said it was working with authorities and “swiftly implemented assistance and support measures for employees and passengers who witnessed this tragic accident.”
Police have ruled out a criminal investigation, but two probes have been launched into the tragic incident.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails