British Airways crew member dies on London-Hong Kong flight before takeoff

The incident also led to the British Airways flight being delayed overnight with passengers deciding to stay at local hotels before departing on December 31 evening. (Representational Image).

A British Airways flight attendant died before the plane took off from London's Heathrow airport for Hong Kong leaving the rest of the crew members and the travelling passengers traumatised, a Metro report said.

The incident took place on Saturday, December 30 when as the British Airways flight  BA31 was preparing to takeoff, the 52-year-old man fell to the floor. Following a plea from the captain for medical assistance, one of the passengers went to the rear gallery to administer first aid at 5:45 pm local time.

Police authorities and other emergency services were also called in for help, but the flight attendant was pronounced dead at the scene. "Our thoughts are with our colleagues’ friends and family at this incredibly sad time," A British Airways spokesperson said.

The incident also led to the flight being delayed overnight with passengers deciding to stay at local hotels before departing on December 31 evening on a plane with new crew members and pilots. "Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a patient was pronounced dead at the scene," London Ambulance Service said in a statement.

This is not the first instance in which the death of a flight crew member has caused a delay in departure. In August, a LATAM Airlines died after collapsing in the bathroom of a Miami-Chile flight with 271 passengers aboard. The pilot had collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest and a nurse and two doctors were called to try and revive the pilot, but their efforts went in vain.

Also read: Air India pilot dies after suffering cardiac arrest at Delhi Airport