1) Maharashtra elderly passenger dies at Mumbai airport due to unavailability of wheelchair
2) Air India passenger death at Mumbai airport highlights lack of wheelchair accessibility in Maharashtra.
Tragic Incident at Mumbai Airport: Elderly Passengers Pass Away Due to Unavailability of Wheelchairs
A horrific incident unfolded on Monday at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, leaving the entire community in shock. An 80-year-old man and his wife, who had just arrived on an Air India flight from New York, tragically lost their lives.
The Struggle to Find Wheelchair Assistance
What makes this incident even more heart-wrenching is the fact that due to a shortage of wheelchairs, the elderly man had to walk a staggering 1.5 kilometers from the airport to the immigration counter before collapsing.
Reports suggest that while the man’s wife had pre-booked a wheelchair, he was left without one. As they made their way together, tragedy struck when the man suffered a sudden heart attack and fell to the ground at the immigration desk.
An Air India official shared, “One of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on February 12th fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wheelchair-bound wife. Despite our advice to wait for wheelchair assistance, he chose to walk alongside his spouse.” The official further added, “Upon falling ill, the traveller was immediately taken to the hospital, as directed by the airport physician. Unfortunately, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.”
A Life Cut Short
The deceased, a US passport holder of Indian descent, had boarded Air India flight AI-116 from New York to Mumbai. He was traveling in economy class, like many passengers on the flight.
While the investigation is ongoing, the cause of the elderly man’s death is yet to be determined. Medical experts are working diligently to understand the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.
A Demand Exceeding Supply
It has come to light that on this particular flight, there were 32 passengers who required wheelchair assistance. However, the staff at the airport could only provide 15 wheelchairs, leaving several passengers without the necessary support.
This shocking revelation raises concerns about the safety and well-being of elderly or disabled passengers traveling through Mumbai’s airport. It highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and resources to ensure the smooth facilitation of all passengers, regardless of their mobility.
The incident has sparked a wave of public outcry, with many demanding answers and accountability from the authorities responsible for passenger assistance at the airport.
Addressing the Issue
In the wake of this tragic event, it is crucial for the airport authorities and airline companies to reevaluate their processes and procedures. Efforts must be made to ensure that the number of wheelchairs available matches the demand, preventing any further incidents like this from occurring.
Additionally, greater emphasis should be placed on providing comprehensive support and assistance to passengers with special needs. This includes training staff to handle emergency situations and ensuring that passengers are given the necessary attention and care throughout their journey.
A Call for Change
This unfortunate incident serves as a wake-up call for the aviation industry and highlights the need for better accessibility and inclusivity for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility. It is imperative that airlines and airports prioritize the well-being and comfort of all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, our thoughts go out to the families of the deceased. May they find solace and strength during this difficult time.
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1. “80 year old Air India passenger dies at Mumbai airport due to unavailability of wheelchair in Maharashtra”
2. “Elderly Air India passenger’s death at Mumbai airport highlights wheelchair unavailability in Maharashtra”.
