Australian Couple Forced to Sit Next to Deceased Passenger on Flight
An Australian couple, Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, have spoken out about their traumatic experience on a Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Venice. The couple was forced to sit next to the body of a passenger who died mid-flight.
The Incident
According to Ring, the woman collapsed in the aisle and could not be revived. “It happened right beside me in the aisle, and [staff] did everything they could, but unfortunately, the lady couldn’t be saved, which was pretty heartbreaking to watch,” he said.
After the woman’s death, the flight staff brought in a wheelchair and attempted to move her body to business class, but were unable to due to her size. Ring and Colin were then told to remain in their seats next to the body for the remaining four hours of the flight.
The Aftermath
Colin was on the verge of tears during the interview, describing the experience as “traumatizing.” She said she moved herself to a different seat when a passenger in another row offered her the empty seat beside them. Ring and Colin have not received any duty of care or counseling after the flight.
“They have a duty of care towards their customers as well as their staff. We should be contacted to make sure, do you need some support, do you need some counselling,” Ring said. “I don’t really know how I feel and would like to speak to somebody to make sure I’m all right.”
Response from Airlines
In a statement, Qatar Airways apologized for any inconvenience or distress caused by the incident and are in the process of contacting passengers in line with their policies and procedures.
A spokesperson for Qantas, which booked the couple’s flight, said that the process for handling incidents onboard an aircraft like this is managed by the operating airline, which in this case is Qatar Airways.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of proper handling and care for passengers who have experienced trauma. It is crucial for airlines to prioritize the well-being and safety of their customers and staff. Ring and Colin’s experience serves as a reminder of the need for more effective crisis management and support systems in place for passengers who have been affected by traumatic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on the flight?
The couple was forced to sit next to the body of a passenger who died mid-flight. - How did the airline respond to the incident?
Qatar Airways apologized and are in the process of contacting passengers in line with their policies and procedures. - Have the couple received any support or counseling?
No, they have not received any duty of care or counseling after the flight. - Who booked the couple’s flight?
Qantas, but the incident was managed by Qatar Airways.
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