Tragic Incident Claims Life of Airport Ground Crew Member at Montréal‑Trudeau International Airport

A ramp worker at Montréal‑Trudeau International Airport died Monday evening following a plane accident, according to officials.

Aéroports de Montréal, the airport’s operating authority, stated on Tuesday that the deceased was employed by Samsic, which provides airport and passenger support services.

The authority earlier noted that emergency responders were dispatched at about 7:30 p.m. after an incident involving an aircraft and an airport employee.

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board announced it was dispatching investigators to the site, indicating the incident involved an Airbus A350 operated by French Bee, a French low‑cost carrier.

Canada’s International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers identified the deceased worker as Oscar Robayo.

“While serious accidents are uncommon, the daily risks our members encounter make safety the top priority,” said Dave Flowers, president of the union, in a statement. He added that the union would refrain from further comment pending the investigation.

The cause of Mr. Robayo’s death has not yet been determined.

Montreal police directed inquiries to Employment and Social Development Canada, a federal agency that said it had opened an investigation to identify the cause of the fatal incident and prevent future tragedies. No additional details were provided.

A Montreal police spokesperson told The Canadian Press that the worker was struck as the aircraft reversed and was subsequently taken to hospital.

French Bee and Samsic did not promptly respond to comment requests. In a statement to The Canadian Press, the airline said the incident involved its aircraft and a pushback vehicle.

The airline noted that “the exact circumstances of the accident have not yet been determined.”

Yves Beauchamp, president and chief executive of Aéroports de Montréal, said on Tuesday that the organization was providing support to employees and passengers who witnessed the tragic incident and was cooperating with the investigation.

“The loss of a member of our airport community deeply affects us all,” he said.

Canada’s transport minister, Steve MacKinnon, shared his condolences on Tuesday.

“The safety and security of Canadians is Transport Canada’s highest priority,” he said, referring to the nation’s transportation agency.

He added that the agency would appoint a ministerial observer “to keep me informed as the investigation progresses.”

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