‘We are truly sorry for the devastating incident’: Qantas takes accountability for staff’s condition
- Replies 3
Air travel is often seen as a marvel of modern convenience.
However, behind the scenes, it’s the hardworking staff who keep everything running smoothly.
Unfortunately, tragedy could strike in the most unexpected ways.
Recently, Qantas has found itself at the centre of a heartbreaking incident that left community members reeling.
Last May, Qantas customer service employee Olivia Hristovska suffered a devastating accident while on the job at Sydney Airport.
What happened next sparked concerns about safety, communication, and support for airport staff and their families.
On what should have been a routine day, the 51-year-old Ms Hristovska was working at Sydney Airport.
She peered through a gap in the aerobridge, the movable walkway that connects the terminal to the aeroplane.
In a moment captured by security footage, she stepped forward and fell through the gap.
Ms Hristovska plummeted six metres to the ground below.
The fall left Ms Hristovska with critical injuries, including severe head trauma, a fractured spine and a broken clavicle, pelvis, and multiple ribs.
She also suffered a collapsed lung.
She was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and placed in an induced coma.
In light of the incident, Qantas’ executive manager of global airports, Darsh Chapman, issued a statement about the situation.
‘We are truly sorry for the devastating incident that occurred to one of our team members at Sydney Airport last month and acknowledge the significant impact this has had on Olivia and her family,’ Chapman shared.
‘We have had a number of conversations and correspondence with Olivia’s family since the day of the incident and have offered our full support through this incredibly difficult time.’
‘We are here to assist Olivia in any way we can through her recovery while also respecting her family’s request for privacy during this stage of her recovery,’ Chapman added.
Qantas has also been in regular contact with Ms Hristovska’s loved ones.
However, the family argued that Qantas lacked in communication.
For Ms Hristovska’s daughters, the ordeal has been made even more difficult by a lack of clear information.
‘No one actually told us what had happened,’ one of her daughters, Monique, told in an interview.
The daughters only learned the full extent of the incident from doctors and media reports.
The family has since pleaded for greater transparency and more details about what led to their mother’s fall.
Since being discharged from the hospital, Ms Hristovska has required full-time care.
‘I’ve had so many moments of anger, but I am just so grateful she is here,’ Monique lamented, as she shared that her mother has ‘lost her whole identity’ since the accident.
In response to the incident, Qantas and Sydney Airport have introduced enhanced safety procedures for staff members and passengers.
The airline has also engaged independent experts to review aerobridge safety for airports across Australia and worldwide.
SafeWork NSW also launched a full investigation to determine what went wrong and how similar tragedies could be prevented moving forward.
Aerobridges, while generally safe, could pose risks if not properly maintained or if procedures aren’t strictly followed.
Beyond the headlines and official statements, it’s important to remember the human side of this story.
The physical injuries Ms Hristovska endured are only part of the picture, but the emotional and psychological impact can be just as profound.
As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see what changes airports and airlines will implement.
ALSO: Qantas issues shocking ultimatum to Aussie woman hours before flight
Have you or someone you know ever experienced a workplace accident? Do companies like Qantas protect their staff members sufficiently? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions about this issue in the comments section below.
However, behind the scenes, it’s the hardworking staff who keep everything running smoothly.
Unfortunately, tragedy could strike in the most unexpected ways.
Recently, Qantas has found itself at the centre of a heartbreaking incident that left community members reeling.
Last May, Qantas customer service employee Olivia Hristovska suffered a devastating accident while on the job at Sydney Airport.
What happened next sparked concerns about safety, communication, and support for airport staff and their families.
Ms Hristovska was seen peering through an aerobridge on the job. Image Credit: Facebook/9 News
On what should have been a routine day, the 51-year-old Ms Hristovska was working at Sydney Airport.
She peered through a gap in the aerobridge, the movable walkway that connects the terminal to the aeroplane.
In a moment captured by security footage, she stepped forward and fell through the gap.
Ms Hristovska plummeted six metres to the ground below.
The fall left Ms Hristovska with critical injuries, including severe head trauma, a fractured spine and a broken clavicle, pelvis, and multiple ribs.
She also suffered a collapsed lung.
She was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and placed in an induced coma.
In light of the incident, Qantas’ executive manager of global airports, Darsh Chapman, issued a statement about the situation.
‘We are truly sorry for the devastating incident that occurred to one of our team members at Sydney Airport last month and acknowledge the significant impact this has had on Olivia and her family,’ Chapman shared.
‘We have had a number of conversations and correspondence with Olivia’s family since the day of the incident and have offered our full support through this incredibly difficult time.’
‘We are here to assist Olivia in any way we can through her recovery while also respecting her family’s request for privacy during this stage of her recovery,’ Chapman added.
Qantas has also been in regular contact with Ms Hristovska’s loved ones.
However, the family argued that Qantas lacked in communication.
For Ms Hristovska’s daughters, the ordeal has been made even more difficult by a lack of clear information.
‘No one actually told us what had happened,’ one of her daughters, Monique, told in an interview.
The daughters only learned the full extent of the incident from doctors and media reports.
The family has since pleaded for greater transparency and more details about what led to their mother’s fall.
Since being discharged from the hospital, Ms Hristovska has required full-time care.
‘I’ve had so many moments of anger, but I am just so grateful she is here,’ Monique lamented, as she shared that her mother has ‘lost her whole identity’ since the accident.
In response to the incident, Qantas and Sydney Airport have introduced enhanced safety procedures for staff members and passengers.
The airline has also engaged independent experts to review aerobridge safety for airports across Australia and worldwide.
SafeWork NSW also launched a full investigation to determine what went wrong and how similar tragedies could be prevented moving forward.
Aerobridges, while generally safe, could pose risks if not properly maintained or if procedures aren’t strictly followed.
Beyond the headlines and official statements, it’s important to remember the human side of this story.
The physical injuries Ms Hristovska endured are only part of the picture, but the emotional and psychological impact can be just as profound.
As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see what changes airports and airlines will implement.
ALSO: Qantas issues shocking ultimatum to Aussie woman hours before flight
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