August 25, 2026 Team Contributor
A ground crew worker at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport has died after being struck by an aircraft on the tarmac Monday evening, airport authorities confirmed Tuesday morning. The Montreal airport accident has prompted an active investigation into how it happened.
What happened at YUL
The YUL accident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. ET on August 24, 2026, at Montreal Trudeau airport. According to Montreal police (SPVM), the worker was struck by a French Bee Airbus A350-900 that was reversing away from the gate. The aircraft, registered F-HREY, was preparing to operate flight BF5761 from Montreal to Paris Orly.
Radio-Canada identified the worker as a signaller, also known as a marshaller. The person is a ground staff member responsible for guiding aircraft in and out of gate positions. One witness told Radio-Canada that the employee tripped and was struck as the aircraft moved.
Passengers on board reportedly witnessed the accident, with one describing panicked screaming as it unfolded.
The worker was brought to hospital in serious condition. Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the operator of the YUL airport, confirmed the following morning that the employee had died from their injuries.
Airport authority responds
ADM identified the worker as an employee of Samsic, a ground handling contractor operating at Montreal airport. In a statement, ADM President and CEO Yves Beauchamp said the loss affects the entire YUL airport community. He also extended condolences to the employee’s family, loved ones and colleagues.
ADM said it has activated support measures for staff and passengers who witnessed the accident and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Out of respect for the victim’s family, the airport authority said it will not be providing further comment and directed media questions to the relevant investigating authorities.
Investigation underway
Montreal police say the case has been referred to Quebec’s workplace safety board for further investigation into the circumstances.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has also been informed. As of Tuesday, it had not confirmed whether it would deploy investigators to the scene.
Despite the accident, ADM said operations at Montreal Trudeau airport continued as normal, though the airline’s return flight to Paris that evening was cancelled following the incident.
What travellers should know
Passengers flying through YUL this week should confirm flight status directly with their airline, as investigations into airport ground incidents can occasionally affect nearby gate operations.
This is not the first aviation scare at Montreal Trudeau airport this year. In July, Air Canada flight AC774 veered off the runway upon landing from Los Angeles with 156 passengers on board; all passengers and crew were unharmed.
So far, there is no indication that the broader terminal or general flight schedule at Montreal airport has been disrupted.
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