A 23-year-old crew member, died after an emergency landing in Graz, following lack of oxygen.
A Swiss International Air Lines flight bound for Zurich from Bucharest made an emergency landing in Austria on December 23, 2024 because of engine problems and smoke in the cabin and cockpit that left one crew member in intensive care.
He was taken to hospital by helicopter and transferred to the intensive care unit. A week later, he died as a result of severe oxygen deprivation.
Mysterious cause of death
According to Sonntagsblick, the autopsy revealed that the flight attendant suffered from hypoxic brain damage and cerebral edema – both the result of a massive lack of oxygen. He was also found to have an unusually large heart and purulent bronchitis.
The public prosecutor’s office in Graz is now investigating what role the breathing mask worn by the flight attendant may have played. These masks are specially designed to provide oxygen in a smoky environment.
Safety concerns about masks
The safety of the respiratory masks used has been criticized, as the Sonntagszeitung newspaper knows. Swiss had already announced in 2023 that some of the mask models were outdated and should be replaced. However, these masks are still being used in the affected A220 fleet.
According to a Swiss spokesperson, the masks are still certified and safe. However, measures are being examined to replace the remaining models more quickly.
Investigation
The Austrian and Swiss authorities are currently investigating the causes of the incident. The aircraft’s engine is also being forensically analyzed. The affected Airbus A220 is expected to return to service soon after repair work and thorough cleaning.
