Montreal Airport Worker Dies After A350 Pushback Accident
A ground-handling worker at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport died after being struck during a French bee Airbus A350 pushback on 24 August 2026. The Samsic employee was critically injured at about 7.30pm while the aircraft was preparing to depart for Paris-Orly and later died in hospital. Emergency teams responded, the departure was halted, and Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the airport operator, said wider operations continued.
The worker was a ground signaller, or marshaller, responsible for guiding aircraft around stands. French bee said the accident occurred during ground operations involving the Airbus A350 and a pushback vehicle. Police said the aircraft was moving backwards when the incident occurred, while local outlet 24 Heures reported that the worker may have tripped moments before being struck. Investigators have not yet confirmed that account.
On 25 August, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada deployed investigators to gather information and assess the occurrence. The TSB says its sole aim is advancing transport safety and that it does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability. Montreal police said the workplace investigation was transferred to Employment and Social Development Canada. Aéroports de Montréal, which operates YUL, said it is cooperating with investigators.
What Travellers Need to Know
- Where: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), on the apron.
- Flight involved: French bee BF5761 to Paris-Orly, operated by an Airbus A350.
- When: 24 August 2026, at about 7.30pm.
- Airport status: Wider YUL operations continued after the accident.
- Before travelling: ADM advised passengers to confirm schedules with their airline.
- Investigation: TSB investigators deployed on 25 August; ESDC is handling the workplace investigation.
- If affected: Follow airline delay or rebooking instructions.
A serious apron incident can disrupt a single service even when the airport remains open. If an aircraft is involved in a ground accident, passengers should check the airline’s flight-status page and booking messages before heading to the terminal, and keep their booking reference ready in case rebooking is required. An airport-wide "operating normally" update does not guarantee that every scheduled departure will leave as planned.
