An incident at Tenerife South Airport in the Canary Islands has drawn attention after an 80-year-old man attempted to board a flight with his deceased wife. The woman, 75, was reportedly pronounced dead a few hours earlier at the airport.
Details of the Incident
The events unfolded when the elderly man tried to pass his wife off as alive in a wheelchair. Initially successful, the ruse was uncovered during a security check. A vigilant security officer noticed the lack of vital signs in the woman.
Emergency Response
Upon realization, the officer recognized the woman’s unusually low body temperature and her failure to breathe. This prompted an immediate alert to superiors, leading to a swift emergency protocol activation. Multiple security personnel, Civil Guard members, and forensic technicians swiftly arrived at the scene.
Autopsy Findings
Following the incident, a thorough autopsy was performed. Results indicated that the woman died of natural causes, with no signs of violence detected on her body. The forensic institute confirmed these findings, supporting the man’s account that she passed away inside the airport.
No Charges Filed
The Spanish Civil Guard, based on the autopsy results, stated that the man was neither arrested nor prosecuted. This incident is notable, albeit rare, within air travel contexts.
Similar Case Reported
Interestingly, a comparable case emerged just days before at another airport. On a flight from Malaga to London, an 89-year-old woman had been brought onboard deceased. The crew noticed she was unresponsive before takeoff. This case involved the woman having a medical certificate that permitted her travel, raising questions about travel protocols for deceased individuals.
Conclusion
These incidents highlight the complex and sensitive nature of air travel, especially regarding health and safety regulations. Authorities continue to review the circumstances and protocols that govern such situations in the aviation industry.
