elderly US passenger dies at Mumbai airport
not receiving wheelchair assistance from Air India.
## Tragedy Strikes at Mumbai International Airport as Elderly US Citizen Passes Away
**Mumbai, February 12, 2024:** In a heartbreaking turn of events, an 80-year-old Indian-origin US citizen collapsed and tragically lost his life at the Mumbai International Airport. The incident has raised concerns about passenger accessibility at the facility, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
The passenger, who remains unnamed, had just arrived from New York on an Air India flight. According to the airline, he initially declined wheelchair assistance, choosing instead to walk alongside his wife, who required one. Air India claims that due to a shortage of wheelchairs and high demand, they had advised the passenger to wait until a wheelchair was available for him. However, he opted to proceed without one.
Shortly after, the elderly man collapsed while walking to the immigration area. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead. The cause of his sudden demise remains unknown at this time.
Air India’s spokesperson expressed their condolences and provided further details on the incident. They confirmed that the passenger fell ill while accompanying his wife, who was using a wheelchair. The airline had requested the passenger to wait for wheelchair assistance, but he decided to continue without it. As soon as he fell ill, the airport doctor attended to him and he was swiftly taken to the hospital. Regrettably, he could not be saved.
However, according to the Times of India, the couple had actually pre-booked two wheelchairs but were only provided with one upon arrival. Additionally, sources revealed that the flight had already been delayed by over two hours and had 32 passengers reliant on wheelchairs. Unfortunately, there were only 15 staff-supported chairs available on the groundside, creating a challenging situation for the elderly passengers.
This tragic incident has brought attention to the accessibility concerns faced by disabled passengers at the Mumbai airport, especially during peak hours or unforeseen delays. It highlights the need for improved provisions and resources to ensure the smooth movement of passengers with mobility limitations.
In the wake of this devastating event, questions have been raised regarding the allocation and availability of wheelchairs for passengers in need. It is imperative that airports and airlines work together to address these concerns and ensure that all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities, can travel safely and comfortably.
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is always a painful experience, and we hope that they find strength and support in the face of this tragedy.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing passenger accessibility and ensuring that all individuals can navigate airports with ease. May this unfortunate event prompt necessary improvements in accessibility measures, preventing such heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future..
– “Elderly US Passenger Dies at Mumbai Airport After Not Receiving Wheelchair Assistance from Air India”
– “Elderly Passenger Dies at Mumbai Airport Without Wheelchair Assistance by Air India”.
