Montreal airport worker dies after being struck by passenger plane on runway

Montreal airport worker dies after being struck by passenger plane on runway Oscar Robayo killed after being hit by Airbus A350 during ground operations ahead of planned flight to Paris - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A Canadian airport worker has died after being struck by a passenger jet on the tarmac at YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Quebec. The victim has been named as Oscar Robayo, 39, by his union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which paid tribute in a Facebook announcement describing his death as a “tragic accident” and a “heartbreaking loss.” The incident occurred on Monday evening when Robayo, a ramp agent for Samsic, was hit during ground operations by Flight BF5761, an Airbus A350 operated by the low-cost airline French bee, as it prepared to set out for Paris-Orly, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Matthieu Douvenou, a passenger on board the flight, subsequently told CBC he had felt a sudden “shock” as he sat awaiting takeoff. “I could see the nose landing gear,” he said. “And then all of a sudden, it was as if the tarmac worker had stumbled, and then at that moment, the plane backed up and we felt the shock. “I understood very quickly that something very serious had happened… I still have the images running through my head. Normally I’m not afraid of flying, but right now I’m not very calm.” The TSB has said it is investigating the tragedy, as has the Quebec coroner’s office, while the airport itself has paid its respects to Robayo on social media, expressing its “profound sadness” at his passing and announcing a minute’s silence in his honor, which was held on Wednesday afternoon. French bee told The Independent :“The airline extends its deepest condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones as well as its support to colleagues and all teams affected by this event. “At this stage, the exact circumstances of the accident, which occurred during the aircraft pushback operation, remain to be established. “French bee is fully cooperating with the relevant Canadian authorities and providing them with all necessary assistance to support the ongoing investigation.“ Aeroports de Montreal’s President and CEO Yves Beauchamp told People: “The loss of a member of our airport community affects us all deeply. “During this difficult time, our thoughts are with the employee’s family, loved ones and colleagues, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences.” ADM added that it had “swiftly implemented assistance and support measures” for passengers and staff members who witnessed the incident and said it has been “cooperating with the authorities responsible for the investigation.” The Independent also reached out to ADM and the TSB for further comment. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] MONTREAL RTE