Tragedy in Graz: Flight attendant dies by smoke development drama

Tragedy in Graz: Flight attendant dies by smoke development drama

On December 23, 2024, a dramatic emergency landing of a Swiss aircraft in Graz, which was traveling with 74 passengers and five crew members from Bucharest to Zurich. The incident was triggered by a catastrophic smoke development in the cabin, which was so strong that immediate landing was necessary. As a result of the incident, twelve passengers and four crew members, including the two pilots, had to be treated in the hospital. A 23-year-old crew member who was treated in the intensive care unit in a critical condition and ultimately died on December 30th died, as the Swiss airline confirmed in a message. Swiss boss Jens Fehlinger commented and described the day as "black for all of us".

Investigations into the cause of the accident

The public prosecutor's office Graz has initiated an investigation. At the current state of the investigation, an agency spokesman explained that a flight expert was appointed to clarify the causes of smoke development, since this may have been caused by a technical defect in one of the engines. The company emphasized that it would do everything to inform the background together with the responsible authorities. The investigation is due to negligent bodily harm, whereby the final result depends heavily on the findings of the expert opinion, as reported. A second cast member has now left the hospital, while the exact cause of the tragic incident still remains unclear, as orf.at holds.