Airport bag handler in critical condition after scarf catches on conveyor belt

17 February 2024 , 14:13

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The woman had been unloading luggage from a flight at the time (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

A Heathrow baggage handler was said to have been left in a critical condition after her scarf got caught on a conveyor belt and she was dragged along it.

The horrific incident took place on Valentine’s Day, shortly before 6pm, and saw the woman reportedly dragged along the machinery - which had been transporting luggage from an aircraft’s hold. However, whilst she struggled, her colleagues inside the Loganair Flight 82WR which had flown into London from Dundee, were oblivious and she remains in hospital.

A spokesperson for Menzies, the company that employed the woman, said their thoughts were with her family and other employees. They said: “We are aware of an incident involving a Menzies employee at Heathrow Airport and we can confirm that the employee is currently in hospital receiving treatment. Our thoughts are with our employee and their family. We cannot provide any further detail at this stage.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson told The Mirror: “We were called at 5.49pm on Wednesday 14 February to reports of an incident at Terminal 2 Heathrow Airport, Hounslow. We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic and members of our hazardous area response team (HART).

“Our first medics arrived on scene in four minutes. We treated a patient at the scene and took them to a major trauma centre as a priority.”

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A source told The Sun: “It was the stuff of nightmares. No one was on hand to help out. It’s a miracle she wasn’t killed.” A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at about 17:50hrs on Wednesday, 14 February to reports of a member of staff injured at Heathrow Terminal 2. Emergency services attended. They have been taken to hospital for treatment.”

The woman was said to have been an experienced team leader for Menzies, a company that provides services at Heathrow and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are now investigating.

Heathrow, Menzies and the HSE have been approached for comment.

Kieren Williams