Mid-air death on Bulawayo bound plane

By Yvonne Ncube/Nqobile Tshili

An elderly woman from Hillside suburb in Bulawayo died mid-air on an Airlink flight number 4Z110 from Johannesburg to Bulawayo on Monday.

Mrs Jean Sicingiwe Khumalo who was in her sixties succumbed on the flight that landed at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport just before mid-day.

A Chronicle news crew yesterday visited the family’s residence where mourners are gathered.

Family spokesperson Mr Lazarus Khumalo said: “We confirm her death. She was an elderly person and was a stroke patient for the past six years or so. That is all that we can say about her health. Besides that, there isn’t much to say. We however request that our privacy be respected as we mourn.”

Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe spokesperson Mrs Annajulia Hungwe said Mrs Khumalo died during the last minutes of the hour-long flight.

“We had an unfortunate incident where a female passenger whom I cannot name because of ethical reasons died mid-air. Her death was confirmed upon landing at the airport. We will get reports from the airline, law enforcement and also health authorities on the incident which will answer questions over how the passenger died,” said Mrs Hungwe.

She said health services were called to supervise the removal of the body in compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

“Flight 4Z110 landed on schedule at the airport just before midday, and had been due to return to Johannesburg at 12.35PM. However, health authorities took time to remove the body and carry out cabin disinfection procedures on the Embraer E170LR until 2PM when the plane took off.

“Covid-19 procedures were maintained at all costs. The passenger had a test certificate taken 48 hours before travelling showing that she was negative from the virus as required by Zimbabwean Covid-19 regulations,” said Mrs Hungwe.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police attended the scene.

“We received a report of an incident where a female passenger at Airlink died mid-air and was confirmed dead when the plane landed. We are still investigating the cause of the death. Reports will be collected from the airline, and also health authorities into the incident,” said Inspector Ncube. The Chronicle