– 80-Year-Old Man Collapses And Dies At Mumbai Airport Due To Unavailability
– Mumbai Airport Wheelchair Unavailability Leads To 80-Year-Old Man’s Collapse And death.
Tragic Death of 80-Year-Old Man at Mumbai Airport
In an unfortunate incident that unfolded at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, an 80-year-old man collapsed and tragically lost his life on Monday. The elderly couple had just arrived from New York on an Air India flight and had prebooked wheelchairs for their convenience. However, due to a shortage of wheelchairs at the airport, they were only provided with one. In a selfless act of love, the man gave the available wheelchair to his wife and chose to walk beside her.
A Heartbreaking Journey
The senior citizen was forced to walk a considerable distance of around 1.5 km from the plane to the immigration counter, which proved to be too much for his fragile health. Unfortunately, he suffered a heart attack and collapsed at the counter. Immediate medical attention was provided, and he was swiftly taken to Nanavati Hospital from the Mumbai airport.
Shortage of Wheelchairs at the Airport
According to reports, the shortage of wheelchairs at the airport resulted in only one assistant being available for the couple. This scarcity led to the tragic sequence of events that unfolded, ultimately leading to the untimely demise of the elderly man.
American Citizen of Indian Origin
The deceased was an Indian-origin US passport holder who had traveled from New York to Mumbai in the economic class on Air India Flight 116. Airport officials confirmed that there were 32 wheelchair passengers on the flight, but unfortunately, only 15 wheelchairs with accompanying staff were present on the ground.
An Unfortunate Choice
An Air India spokesperson stated that they had advised the passenger to wait until wheelchair assistance was provided, but he decided to walk alongside his spouse. They regarded this as an “unfortunate incident” and assured the family of their continuous support and assistance during this difficult time.
The Delayed Arrival
The flight, originally scheduled to land in Mumbai at 11:30 am, experienced a delay and eventually touched down at 2:10 pm. This delay may have added to the physical strain endured by the elderly man.
A Common Scenario
Ground staff at the airport acknowledged that they had witnessed numerous elderly couples who were unwilling to separate from their partners and travel alone from the aircraft to the terminal. Especially those with mobility and hearing impairments preferred to remain together as they navigated through the terminal building.
Wheelchair Facility and Medical Certificates
A senior official revealed that many passengers who requested wheelchair assistance did not necessarily have mobility issues. Additionally, airlines, including Air India, used to charge for wheelchair services, and only those with medical certificates were entitled to free wheelchair assistance. However, due to pressure from various groups, the requirement for medical certificates was removed.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adequate resources and support for elderly passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges. It highlights the need for airports and airlines to ensure that the necessary facilities are available to cater to the needs of all passengers, regardless of age or physical abilities.
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1. “80-Year-Old Man Collapses And Dies At Mumbai Airport Due To Wheelchair Unavailability”
2. “Elderly Man’s Tragic Death at Mumbai Airport Highlights Wheelchair Shortage”.
