Airport worker dies in “unfortunate accident” at Montreal-Trudeau

This story was updated on Tuesday, August 25 at 9:12 a.m. EST.

A marshaller at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) has died after being struck by an aircraft that was pushing back from a gate Monday night (Aug. 25), sources confirm. 

The incident involved a French Bee Airbus A350 that was preparing to depart Montreal for Paris Orly Airport.

According to Radio-Canada, the employee, who has not been identified, reportedly tripped and was struck by the aircraft while it was moving.

One witness told the outlet that the worker went underneath the plane. 

Passengers also reportedly witnessed the accident, which took place at around 7:30 p.m. “A lot of [passengers] were screaming,” one passenger told Radio-Canada.

The airport confirmed the incident in a statement last night, calling it an "unfortunate accident."  

The employee was taken to hospital, the airport said. Early police reports indicated that the worker suffered serious injuries. 

However, in a statement from Tuesday morning (Aug. 25), ADM Aéroports de Montréal confirmed that the individual has now passed. 

Montreal airport responds 

"The ADM Aéroports de Montréal team is deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the YUL airport community, an employee of Samsic, following an accident that occurred while carrying out their duties," reads a statement. 

Yves Beauchamp, president and CEO of ADM, added: "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." 

In collaboration with its partners, ADM said it "swiftly implemented assistance and support measures for employees and passengers who witnessed this tragic accident." 

The organization said it has also been cooperating with the authorities responsible for the investigation since the outset of their work.

ADM added that, out of respect for the victim and their loved ones, it would not comment further on the incident.

According to FlightAware, French bee flight BF5761 eventually departed at 12:09 a.m. Tuesday.

It appears the flight was originally set to leave Montreal on Saturday night but had been delayed due to a technical issue.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating.

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