Passengers on the flight from Málaga to Gatwick were left shocked when the flight was halted on the runway as crew realised that the 89-year-old woman had died
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A family have been accused of attempting to bring a dead body on board a plane, telling cabin crew that their elderly relative was “just tired”.
Passengers on the flight from Málaga to Gatwick were left stunned when the aircraft was abruptly stopped on the tarmac as horrified staff realised that the 89 year old had passed away. She had been wheeled onto the plane by family members, before being hoisted into her seat.
EasyJet has confirmed that the passenger had been issued with a certificate stating that she was fit to fly before the journey. As she was brought aboard, fellow travellers observed that she had seemed to be unresponsive as she was placed into her seat.
Petra Boddington was amongst those on the flight, and was astounded that the passenger was permitted to board. She said: “I know it’s not funny because somebody did actually die, but easyJet ground staff actually allowed someone that looked completely dead onto the plane and then funnily enough, just as we were about to take off, they died.”
The woman’s relatives reportedly insisted that she was okay (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Malaga Airport. (Image: Getty Images)
She added: “To the naked eye, she looked like she was already dead, slumped unconscious in a wheelchair. So why would she be allowed onto the flight and then disrupt everyone’s plans… purely to save the family repatriation?” Elizabeth Rowland, 19, had been travelling from her home in Marbella with her partner to visit family, and told the Daily Mail she was seated three rows ahead of the family. Describing what occurred before boarding, she said: “Her family were trying to wake her up and saying, ‘Can you hear me? We’re going to get on the flight now, we’re going to board now’, and trying to give her something to drink.”, reports the Mirror.
She added: “They were talking to her and acting as if she was alive.”
It remains unclear what became of the woman and her family after she was taken off the aircraft.
The Civil Guard in Málaga confirmed they were summoned to the plane to assist an elderly British woman, who was declared dead on the aircraft. A spokesperson for the Civil Guard said in a statement: “She was pronounced dead on the aircraft which had been due to leave Málaga for London just after 11am yesterday morning.”
A spokesperson for easyJet said in a statement: “Flight EZY8070 from Málaga to London Gatwick returned to stand prior to departure due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical assistance. The flight was met by emergency services however the customer sadly passed away.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time. The wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority and we would like to thank passengers for their understanding for the delay.”
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