The Burkina Faso Airports Company (SAFA) has launched a formal judicial inquiry to investigate a tragic accident that claimed the life of a ground handler at Ouagadougou International Airport on Saturday.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. during a routine aircraft pushback operation. According to SAFA Director General Théophile Bikyenga, an aircraft handler was involved in a collision with the aircraft as it prepared for departure. Despite an immediate response from the airport’s medical services and fire brigade, the employee succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
The Public Prosecutor was notified immediately to conduct an on-site investigation, and the gendarmerie has been mobilized to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy. SAFA has confirmed its full cooperation with investigators to establish responsibility and shed light on the events that led to the fatal encounter.
While operations at Ouagadougou International Airport continue as normal, the Director General, on behalf of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family and solidarity with all airport personnel. The inquiry is expected to review safety protocols and the technical execution of the pushback procedure to prevent future occurrences.
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