Air India Passenger Suffers Burns in Coffee Mishap: Calls for Improved Care

NEW DELHI: A passenger traveling on an Air India flight experienced severe burns after a cabin crew member accidentally spilled coffee on her. This unfortunate incident unfolded during a flight from the national capital, New Delhi, to San Francisco earlier this month. Following the incident, the airline issued an official apology to the affected passenger, whose harrowing experience has sparked widespread concern.

The traumatized passenger took to social media to share her distressing encounter, describing how her journey aboard Flight AI 173 turned into a nightmare. She was traveling with her 4-year-old son and 83-year-old mother-in-law, and the nearly 16-hour flight became an ordeal that she won't soon forget.

Recalling the incident, the passenger revealed, "Air India delivered a distressing experience that took a harrowing turn when the flight attendant spilled hot coffee on my leg." The pain was excruciating, and fortunately, a physician onboard the plane came forward to offer assistance. The physician assessed the injury as a second-degree burn and attempted to provide care. However, to the passenger's dismay, the flight lacked essential medical supplies, and the treatment received was far from ideal. She endured severe pain for nearly two hours without access to pain medication or a proper first aid kit.

An Air India spokesperson expressed regret about the unfortunate incident, stating, "We sincerely regret the unfortunate incident that occurred on our flight AI 173 operating from Delhi to San Francisco on September 20, 2023. One of our cabin crew members accidentally spilled coffee on a guest during the service." However, there seems to be a discrepancy between the passenger's account, which claims hot water was spilled, and the airline's assertion that it was coffee. Regardless, the airline maintained that immediate first aid was administered to the affected guest, and they promptly called for a doctor onboard to provide further medical assistance.

The airline also extended its apologies directly to the passenger and assured her that they were in contact to offer all necessary assistance, including medical care. The incident has prompted the airline to take the matter seriously and commit to retraining the crew member responsible for the mishap, ensuring that such incidents are avoided in the future.

Upon landing, a paramedic team evacuated the injured passenger from the plane. However, the airline's handling of the situation raised concerns as the crew did not attend to the needs of the passenger's family members, leaving them alone and unaware of what was transpiring. It was only through the kindness of a fellow passenger that the distressed family was able to contact the passenger's brother, who eventually arrived to pick them up.

The passenger's ordeal has raised important questions about the airline's preparedness for medical emergencies and its level of care and assistance provided to passengers in such distressing situations. She has called upon Air India to take immediate steps to rectify these issues, enhance their in-flight medical provisions, and ensure better care and services for passengers in the future.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of passenger safety and well-being during flights, highlighting the need for airlines to have robust procedures in place for responding to medical emergencies promptly and effectively.

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