Tragedy as British Airways steward dies in front of devastated passengers on plane waiting to takeoff
A BRITISH Airways steward crew member collapsed and died while on duty in front of shocked passengers.
The 52-year-old crew member tragically keeled over as holidaymakers were in their seats awaiting take-off from London Heathrow to Hong Kong.
Flyers looked on in horror as first aid was administered in vain.
Doors were locked on BA Flight 32 and the pilot had requested to push-back to head to the runway when the crew member suddenly dropped to the floor in the rear galley.
The Captain urgently called over the Tannoy for medical assistance and a passenger trained in first aid raced to help.
But despite the arrival of police and ambulance teams tragically the steward could not be resuscitated and devastated passengers were told the New Year’s Eve flight was axed due to a ‘medical emergency’.
Passengers were rebooked onto another flight – BA31 – the next day.
A second BA steward, also 52, died in the US on December 23.
After his sudden death the flight from Newark to London Heathrow was cancelled, with passengers re-booked onto later flights.
Gutted colleagues had raised the alarm when he had failed to report for duty. They were all flown home as passengers – too gutted to work.
The dead cabin crew worker had been found dead in his hotel room, and died down-route during a stopover between flights.
A source said: “Crew are frantic. These were two healthy people who suddenly dropped dead. There were no reported underlying health issues.
“The crew were family men, and leave devastated families in shock and disbelief.
“It has been a traumatic festive period for BA’s flying team. Everyone is deeply upset.”
British Airways told The Sun: “Our thoughts are with our colleagues’ family and friends at this difficult time.”