Ground crew worker dies after being struck by a plane in Montreal

MONTREAL — A ground worker who was struck by an Airbus 350 at Montreal Trudeau International Airport on Monday evening has died.

The employee was struck around 7:30 p.m. as a French bee flight bound for Paris was preparing for departure.

According to a Montreal police spokesperson, the worker was struck while the aircraft was reversing and was rushed to hospital.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represented the worker, said he worked as a ramp agent for ground handling company Samsic.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues and fellow IAM members during this extremely difficult time,” the union said in a statement.

French bee, the French low-cost airline, wrote in a statement that the accident involved the aircraft and a pushback vehicle being used during ground operations. “The precise circumstances surrounding the accident have not yet been established,” wrote French bee.

The airline said all passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were ”safe and unharmed.”

Yves Beauchamp, the head of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, said the airport authority was deeply shaken by the worker’s death.

“The loss of a member of our airport community affects us all deeply,” Beauchamp said in a statement. “During this difficult time, our thoughts are with the employee’s family, loved ones and colleagues, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences.”

Montreal airport authorities said they quickly put support measures in place for employees and passengers who witnessed the accident and have been co-operating with investigators.

The Quebec coroner’s office said coroner Amélie Lavigne has been assigned to investigate the causes and circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.

The office said Lavigne could eventually make recommendations aimed at protecting human life and preventing similar deaths.

Montreal police said Employment and Social Development Canada has opened an investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has also deployed a team of investigators to gather information and assess the accident.

French bee said it is fully cooperating with Canadian authorities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 25, 2026.