Johannesburg – A woman, who was travelling with her daughter, collapsed and died in the domestic arrivals area at OR Tambo International Airport.
Commenting on the tragedy, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) on Tuesday said it was with “great sadness” that it can “confirm that a passenger passed away at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday evening, (15 January 2024), shortly after 19:00”.
ACSA added: “It is understood that the female passenger, accompanied by her daughter, flew into OR Tambo International Airport from Cape Town on a South African Airways flight.
“She was waiting in the domestic arrivals area when she collapsed.
“Paramedics stationed at the airport were alerted to the emergency at 19:14 and responded swiftly, arriving at the scene at 19:16.
“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started at 19:17 and discontinued at 19:55.
“Unfortunately, despite all efforts to resuscitate the patient, she was declared dead at the scene.”
ACSA said at this stage, the cause of death was suspected to be cardiac arrest, but this was yet to be officially determined.
“The passenger’s name is known to ACSA but cannot be released before her next of kin has been informed,” the airports company said in a terse statement.
“ACSA would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the late passenger during this difficult time.”
