GACL accused of negligence in death of United Airlines passenger
The passenger is said to have become unconscious after arriving at Kotoka International Airport from the United States on Friday, and died within minutes
Ghana Airports Company Ltd (GACL) has been accused of negligence following the death of a passenger who arrived in the country on board a United Airlines flight from Washington, DC.
The man is said to have become unconscious after the plane touched down at Kotoka International Airport on Friday (17 June 2022), and died within roughly ten minutes.
Emelia Van Eck, another passenger who was on the same flight, believes the man could have survived if he had had the attention he needed at the airport.
“I witness the last 10mins of a man’s life …….at the arrival hall at Kotoka. No first aid kit, no defibrillator no oxygen no aid …..no medic personal [sic]. the man was uneasy and a friend helped him to sit and within 10mins just like that he rolled his eyes and dropped dead. We kept yelling for help, medical assistance something and a nurse showed with a medical bag filled with paracetamol and plaster,” she posted on Facebook.
“My heart is broken. Could he have been saved …..possibly if there was proper first aid. We have the most expensive cars and houses in Ghana and no first aid kit to save a life? May his soul Rest In Peace. I pray Ghana Civil Aviation fix the problem. Life is so fragile ohhhhh,” she wrote.
Ghana Airports Company Ltd has confirmed the incident.
A GACL statement issued on Saturday (18 June 2022) said the passenger complained of tiredness and had difficulty in breathing.
He later became unconscious, was given medical attention and had to be rushed to the Airport Clinic for further attention, the statement said, but died.
“Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited confirms that on Friday , June 17, 20220, a middle-aged male passenger arrived on board United Airlines at Kotoka International Airport from Dulles International Airport, Washington at approximately 10.20am in the company of a relative.
“The passenger was reported to have complained of tiredness, and had difficulty in breathing. He was subsequently offered a wheelchair by the Ground Handler. The passenger became unconscious at the Arrival Hall and received medical attention but was unresponsive. He was conveyed to the Airport Clinic for further attention and he subsequently passed on,” the company said.
Below is the full statement from GACL:
Fred Dzakpata
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