A member of Air India’s ground crew has been sucked into a jet engine and killed instantly.
The horrifying incident took place earlier today as the aircraft was coming into park.
It is unclear how the staff member had got into a position where he was sucked into the engine.
According to NDTV, the plane, AI 619, was at a parking bay and was preparing for departure to Hyderabad when the incident unfolded.
The incident will raise fresh concerns over health and safety standards across India’s transport infrastructure.
Accidents of this nature are extremely rare – despite the huge growth in air traffic in recent decades.
Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said this afternoon: ‘An Air India technician died in a mishap during pushback of flight AI 619, incident is being investigated.
‘We are deeply saddened and regret the tragic incident at Mumbai airport.’
It is not yet clear how many passengers were on board the plane. An investigation is underway.
Read More: Air India staffer sucked into aircraft engine, dies at Mumbai airport
