MONTRÉAL — A ground crew worker has died following a severe accident on the tarmac at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) on Monday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time during the pushback procedure of a French bee Airbus A350-900 (registration F-HREY), which was preparing to depart for flight BF5761 to Paris Orly Airport (ORY).
According to initial reports, the airport-community employee was struck by the aircraft during the standard pre-flight maneuver. The worker sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital by emergency responders, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) confirmed that emergency protocol measures were immediately activated following the collision. Responders from local emergency services and officers from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) arrived on the scene shortly after the incident took place.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) confirmed it is aware of the occurrence and has launched an inquiry to determine the exact sequence of events. While preliminary unconfirmed reports suggest the worker may have fallen directly in front of the aircraft’s nose landing gear, federal investigators have emphasized that all circumstances surrounding the pushback sequence remain under official review.
Disruptions and Cancellations
The fatal accident triggered widespread operational delays across the tarmac as emergency personnel secured the scene. Flight operations for the affected Paris-bound French bee flight were immediately canceled, leaving passengers stranded as authorities conducted preliminary interviews and evidence gathering.
In an official statement released to the media, Aéroports de Montréal expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the employee, and our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the victim’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this painful time.”
