Passenger dies on FlySafair flight: Counselling services offered to affected travellers
FlySafair's Kirby Gordon confirmed the death of a passenger aboard FA417 on Monday.
Image: Supplied/FlySafair
FlySafair is offering counselling services to passengers aboard a flight from Durban to Johannesburg, following the death of a passenger.
FlySafair's Kirby Gordon confirmed the death of a passenger aboard FA417 on Monday.
He explained that before the flight’s departure, medical staff based at King Shaka International Airport were called to assess the passenger. They cleared the person fit to travel.
"While in the air, the passenger’s condition deteriorated. Our cabin crew, together with medical professionals who were among the passengers, did everything possible to assist, but tragically the person passed away before the flight landed," Gordon, FlySafair's chief marketing officer, said.
Gordon said the company acknowledges that it was a distressing event for all those on board and are grateful to passengers for their patience and understanding.
"FlySafair’s crew are trained to respond to in-flight medical emergencies to the best of their ability until professional help is available. As is standard practice, this incident will be reviewed internally to ensure that any learnings are taken forward," he said.
"We are also thankful to the medical professionals who stepped forward to provide support. We have information available about professional counselling services available to passengers who may feel affected, and we are extending support to our staff as well," he said.
A passenger aboard the flight took to social media to share the ordeal.
I can't deal. I work with [these] things on [a] daily basis but that one just traumatised me," shared Golo Moahi.
"I have been working at the airport for almost 20 years. I have seen people dying while waiting for their flight to board. The latest incident was of a lady who collapsed and passed away just after getting off an aeroplane. She was holding a bundle of flowers. She came to Gauteng to celebrate her child's birthday. Her husband was sitting there helplessly," added Motsiri Mohale.
"All I can think of is the cry of his daughter. This is honestly the most traumatic flight experience I've ever had. May be rest in peace," said TikTok user, Duduzile.rt
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