A tragic incident occurred at Montreal airport as a 39-year-old ground handler lost his life during a pushback accident. Passengers aboard the Paris-bound flight, French Bee Flight 351, witnessed the distressing event on their seatback screens. Matthieu Douvenou, a passenger, described the moment when the plane suddenly backed up after the tarmac worker stumbled, causing a shockwave.

The victim, identified as Oscar Robayo by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), was a ramp agent working for Samsic, a company providing baggage handling and passenger services at the Montreal airport. The accident, labeled a “tragic workplace accident,” took place as the aircraft was preparing to depart for Paris.

Emergency measures were activated around 7:30 p.m., and Robayo was swiftly transported to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The airport authority expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the impact on the airport community. French Bee stated that the circumstances surrounding the accident during the pushback operation are yet to be fully determined.

Passenger Douvenou, still in Montreal due to the incident, recounted the traumatic experience and loss of confidence in the airline. Onboard witnesses felt a jolt and observed the event through external cameras on the aircraft. The distressing scene prompted efforts to calm passengers, with the crew eventually disabling the camera feed.

Investigations into the incident are underway, with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the federal Labour Program involved. Authorities are looking into Samsic Assistance Canada Inc., the victim’s employer, to assess compliance with health and safety regulations. The airport and French Bee have pledged cooperation with the investigations and are providing support to those affected by the tragedy.