A tragic incident at San Antonio International Airport claimed the life of an airport worker who was “ingested” into the engine of a Delta plane, CBS News reported.
Airport Worker Died at San Antonio Airport
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the worker’s death, highlighting the dangers faced by ground-handling personnel in the aviation industry.
The unfortunate incident occurred as Delta Flight 1111 was taxiing to the gate on a single engine after arriving from Los Angeles International Airport. The plane involved in the incident was an Airbus A319. The victim, an airport ramp worker employed by Unifi, a ground-handling support company contracted by Delta, suffered a fatal fate.
The Delta spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that the entire aviation community mourns the tragic loss of a valued member. The airline pledged its full support to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this challenging time.
Unifi conducted a preliminary investigation and found no apparent connection between the incident and its operational processes, safety procedures, or policies. However, further investigations will be necessary to determine the exact cause and contributing factors of the accident.
This unfortunate event is not the first of its kind. Just six months ago, another ground crew worker lost their lives in a similar incident at the Montgomery airport in Alabama.
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OSHA Investigated Why Airport Worker Died
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the incident and determined that it could have been prevented through proper training and adherence to safety procedures.
The OSHA Area Director in Mobile, Alabama emphasized the importance of implementing and enforcing safety measures, even in routine assignments. This tragic occurrence serves as a somber reminder of the critical role that safety protocols play in protecting the lives of aviation workers.
As investigations into the incident continue, it is hoped that the findings will shed light on any shortcomings in safety procedures and lead to improved measures to safeguard the well-being of airport workers. The loss of yet another dedicated individual underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and a commitment to prioritizing safety in the aviation industry.
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