An utterly shocking and unfortunate incident took place at Mumbai Airport on Monday. An 80-year-old man who landed on an Air India flight from New York died at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Despite booking a wheelchair for himself and his wife beforehand, the man failed to receive one. Having to walk 1.5 km all the way to the immigration counter, he collapsed at the airport. Read on to know more.
Despite Pre-Booking Wheelchair, 80-YO Man Faces Wheelchair Shortage At Mumbai Airport
A report by Hindustan Times throws more light on this incident. The 80-year-old man was an Indian-origin, US passport holder. He landed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with his wife. The couple had pre-booked wheelchairs at Mumbai Airport. However, due to a shortage of wheelchairs, only the wife received hers, reported TOI. The man walked alongside her for 1.5 km. Just as they reached the immigration counter, he collapsed due to a cardiac arrest.
Collapses After Walking For 1.5 Km To The Immigration Counter
An Air India spokesperson stated to the Hindustan Times that due to heavy demand for wheelchairs, they asked the octogenarian to wait until they get a wheelchair. But the 80-year-old man opted to walk with his spouse in the wheelchair. Furthermore, the Air India spokesperson stated that as advised by the airport doctor, the passenger was immediately rushed to the airport but he was declared dead.
Also Read: Watch: American Airlines Staff Mishandles A Wheelchair While Offloading It. Netizens React!
An airport source stated to TOI that there were 32 wheelchair passengers on the Air India AI-116 flight from New York to Mumbai. However, only 15 wheelchairs with accompanying staff on the ground were available. Furthermore, the source stated that many aged couples are uncomfortable to part with their spouse when travelling alone.
One of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on 12th February fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wife, who was in a wheelchair. Due to heavy demand for wheelchairs, we had requested the passenger to wait till he was also provided with wheelchair… pic.twitter.com/4XpAydrxGu
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2024
So, they prefer to stay together when moving from the aircraft through the terminal building. Also, the light was reportedly delayed. It was supposed to land at 11:30 pm in Mumbai. But finally landed at 2:10 pm.
Air India issued a detailed statement : @airindia
“In an unfortunate incident, one of our guests flying from New York to Mumbai on 12th February 2024 fell ill while proceeding to clear immigration with his wife, who was on wheelchair. Due to heavy demand for wheelchairs, we had… https://t.co/z9a3W2XuKF
— Milan Sharma (@Milan_reports) February 17, 2024
This is a very unfortunate incident that took place at Mumbai Airport.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.