– PIO dies at city airport after walking due to delayed wheelchair
– PIO passes away at city airport after walking due to delayed wheelchair.
**Headline: Tragic death of 80-Year Old Man at Mumbai Airport**
**Date: [Insert Date]**
**Introduction**
In a heartbreaking incident, an 80-year old man, who had just arrived in Mumbai from New York with his wife, collapsed and passed away at the immigration counter of the airport. The elderly couple, both booked as wheelchair passengers, faced a shortage of wheelchairs upon landing, leading the man to walk a considerable distance before collapsing due to a heart attack.
**Background**
The deceased was an Indian-origin US citizen, hailing from Gujarat. He and his wife had taken Air India flight AI-116 in the economy class, which departed from New York on Sunday afternoon. The couple had pre-booked Air India’s wheelchair facility, which is provided free of charge to passengers in need of assistance.
**Shortage of Wheelchairs**
Upon arrival at the Mumbai airport, the couple faced a distressing situation. Despite there being 32 wheelchair passengers on their flight, only 15 wheelchairs were available with accompanying staff on the ground. This shortage left the elderly man with just one option – to walk alongside his wife, who had managed to secure a wheelchair. Together, they embarked on a 1.5km journey from the aircraft to the immigration area.
**Tragic Collapse**
Tragically, as the elderly man reached the immigration area, he suddenly collapsed due to a heart attack. The strenuous walk had taken a toll on his already weakened health, resulting in this devastating turn of events. Despite immediate medical attention from airport staff and emergency services, the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
**Cause of Death**
While the exact cause of the man’s heart attack is yet to be determined, it is evident that the physical exertion of walking such a distance without proper assistance significantly contributed to the unfortunate incident. The lack of available wheelchairs meant that the elderly couple had to face an unexpected and arduous journey, which tragically ended in the loss of a life.
**Investigation**
Following this shocking development, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The shortage of wheelchairs and the subsequent consequences have raised concerns about the adequacy of facilities and services provided to passengers with mobility issues at airports. Air India, as well as the airport authorities, will be closely scrutinized to determine if any negligence or shortcomings played a role in this unfortunate incident.
**Final Words**
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the well-being and safety of all passengers, particularly those with special needs. It is crucial for airlines and airports to have sufficient resources in place to accommodate passengers requiring assistance, such as wheelchairs. The tragic death of this elderly man highlights the need for improvements in the accessibility and support provided to vulnerable passengers, preventing similar incidents in the future.
**Conclusion**
The sudden death of the 80-year old man at Mumbai airport has left his family and loved ones devastated. The shortage of wheelchairs and the subsequent decision to walk a considerable distance had tragic consequences. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that measures will be taken to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, regardless of their mobility limitations..
1. PIO dies at city airport after walking due to delayed wheelchair
2. Mumbai News: PIO passes away at city airport after walking due to delayed wheelchair.
