An airport worker identified as Oscar Robayo, 39, is dead after being struck by an aircraft at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on Monday evening.
Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) confirmed the news Tuesday morning, saying the team is “deeply saddened” by the death, adding that it would implement support measures for employees and passengers who witnessed the incident.
“The loss of a member of our airport community affects us all deeply,” said Yves Beauchamp, president and chief executive officer of ADM.
“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.”
Emergency services were called to the scene at 7:30 p.m. after Robayo, an employee of Samsic for about a year and a half, was struck by an Airbus 350 operated by French Bee that was backing up on the airport tarmac.
He was transported to hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
Robayo’s union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, called the incident tragic.
“No one ever, ever had any issues with his workmanship or his professionalism. It’s just a tragic accident that we lost a very good member,” said Peter Tsoukalas, a spokesperson for the union.
Tsoukalas said he’s working alongside Robayo’s employer, Samsic, and the airport authority to determine what occured. He says airport workers face risks passengers rarely see.
“There’s a lot of elements; you’re handling heavy equipment, big equipment, you’re handling the weather, the night, the day,” he said.
Investigations underway
The Quebec coroner’s office said in a statement to CTV News that it is investigating the causes and circumstances surrounding Robayo’s death.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) said it has launched an investigation under the Canada Labour Code to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar tragedies.
“The investigation will determine if the employer, Samsic Assistance Canada Inc., acted in compliance with their obligations under the Code, which requires federally regulated employers to protect the health and safety of their employees while at work,” said Maja Stefanovska, media spokesperson for ESDC.
“The Code limits the sharing of any information related to and gathered during an investigation to the workplace parties.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) said it is also sending a team to investigate the incident.
Federal Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon expressed his condolences on social media on Tuesday, adding that Transport Canada plans to appoint a departmental observer to keep him informed of the investigation’s progress.
“My thoughts are with the family, loved ones, colleagues, and everyone affected by the tragic death of an airport worker following the incident at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. This is a difficult and painful time for many. The safety and security of Canadians is Transport Canada’s top priority,” he said.
