Airplane passengers collapse while waiting for takeoff without air conditioning in 111-degree heat
Katherine Sidnell
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@Kristaanngarvin/DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images
With heat warnings across the US, several passengers collapsed before taking off at Las Vegas airport.
The groups had been on a Delta Airlines flight to Atlanta, but despite the ongoing heatwave, the plane had no air conditioning with the temperature reaching a sweltering 111 degrees.
Whilst passengers reportedly received compensation for the incident, staff were also affected by the intense temperatures.
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In fact, things became so bad that the pilot was forced to turn back due to multiple emergencies on Flight 555.
During the incident, flight attendants tried to support customers – many of whom had collapsed with some even soiling themselves.
Whilst oxygen tanks were provided to those awaiting the paramedics, with attendants dashing through the aisles to get to sick passengers.
Eventually, five people were treated by medical teams with multiple stretchers were brought on board.
Out of those affected, at least one was taken off the Atlanta-bound flight.
Though passengers were given the option to depart and return to the Las Vegas airport, many remained over concern about being able to get alternative transport - being told it could take days to get another flight.
Others disembarked after roughly four hours, awaiting the next flight at Harry Reid International Airport.
However, their hopes were soon dashed as some of the flight attendants became ill after such intense heat.
Though the flight had been scheduled to go ahead, it was later moved to 7 am on Tuesday morning and then cancelled again.
In a statement, Delta said that they would be investigating the incident.
"We apologize for the experience our customers had on flight 555 from Las Vegas to Atlanta on July 17, which ultimately resulted in a flight cancellation," the airline told Fox News, adding: “Delta teams are looking into the circumstances that led to uncomfortable temperatures inside the cabin and we appreciate the efforts of our people and first responders at Harry Reid International.”
Delta has also reportedly compensated and apologised to customers, as the heat turns up over the incident.
A representative for Harry Reid International Airport has also alleged that they were unaware of the incident, despite the ongoing investigation by Delta.
UNILAD has reached out to Delta Airways for comment but was unable to contact Harry Reid International Airport for comment.