Woman, 72, dies after falling onto runway while getting off plane as she travelled to celebrate daughter’s birthday
A WOMAN has died after falling from plane stairs and “landing on her neck” while on the way to her daughter’s birthday.
Maria da Gloria Pereira da Silva Favaro, 72, died in hospital after her horror fall at one of Brazil’s busiest airports.
She was rushed to hospital after the terrifying accident at Congonhas Airport, Sao Paulo.
Maria was arriving in the city after flying from Ribeirao Preto on Latam flight LA 3785.
But tragedy struck as she disembarked the plane.
Maria fell on the stairs, reportedly landing on her neck on the tarmac below.
First aiders did what they could to help her before Maria was taken in an ambulance.
She was rushed to hospital Alemao Osvaldo Cruz Hospital with a skull bleed, where she died of her injuries two days later.
One witness said Maria had fallen “on the last few steps”.
Brazilian influencer Julio Mamute fought back tears in an emotional statement, saying: “I saw a person fall at my feet and stop moving.
“I approached and was the first to notice that at that moment the person was still breathing with difficulty.
“She fell onto her neck on the last few steps.”
Julio said he was “still shaken by what happened” and would “never forget it”.
He appealed to his followers: “I ask that you pray for the family, that’s all that matters right now.
“And please be careful with these stairs. Tragedies like this can be avoided.”
Latam Airlines Brazil said in a statement: “On Friday a passenger suffered a fall while descending the stairs during disembarkation from flight LA 3785.
“She was assisted by an ambulance and taken to a local hospital for treatment, accompanied by a company employee who remained on site until the family arrived.
“LATAM deeply regrets the passenger’s death and extends its condolences to her family.
“The airline emphasizes that it followed all protocols established for this type of situation, reiterating that it adopts all possible safety measures, both technical and operational, to ensure a safe journey for everyone.”
