Police are investigating the death of a man who fell ill on a Jet2 flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Manchester, UK. The aircraft, flight LS948, was forced to divert to London Stansted Airport on Thursday afternoon after the passenger suffered a medical emergency.
Details of the Incident
The man, whose age and identity have not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by cabin crew and medical professionals on board. Essex Police confirmed they were called to Stansted Airport at around 3:30 PM BST following reports of a sudden death. Officers are working to establish the circumstances leading to the man's death, but initial indications suggest no suspicious circumstances.
A spokesperson for Jet2 said: "We can confirm that flight LS948 from Larnaca to Manchester diverted to London Stansted due to a medical emergency. Sadly, a customer passed away despite the best efforts of our crew and medical professionals. Our thoughts are with the customer's family and friends at this difficult time."
Passenger Accounts
Passengers on board described a tense atmosphere as the crew attempted to revive the man using a defibrillator. One traveler, who wished to remain anonymous, told local media: "It was very upsetting. The crew did everything they could, but it was clear he was in a bad way. We were all relieved when we landed, but saddened by the outcome."
Ongoing Investigation
Essex Police stated that a file will be prepared for the coroner. The death is not being treated as suspicious. The flight, which had departed Larnaca at 11:20 AM local time, was carrying 189 passengers and seven crew. After landing, passengers were disembarked and provided with assistance by Jet2 staff. The airline arranged for a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Manchester later that evening.
This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of in-flight medical emergencies. According to the International Air Transport Association, medical emergencies occur on approximately one in every 600 flights, with cardiac events being a leading cause of death. The UK Civil Aviation Authority advises all airlines to carry defibrillators and train crew in their use.
Broader Context
The death on Jet2 flight LS948 is a reminder of the challenges faced by airlines in managing medical crises at altitude. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of rapid response and diversion protocols. Jet2 has expressed its condolences and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
