…Min. Patterson assures independent probe ongoing

MINISTER of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, has announced that the Fly Jamaica aircraft involved in the recent runway accident has been officially handed over to the airline for removal from the crash site as investigations continue.

Patterson also extended condolences to the family of 86-year-old passenger Rookia Kalloo, who died due to injuries sustained during evacuation. He pledged his ministry’s support to ensuring that all claims and compensatory mechanisms are met. The minister made the announcement on Monday at the 99th sitting of the National Assembly.
There, he reiterated that an independent investigation is ongoing to examine the aircraft’s operation on the morning of the incident and to review its standard operating procedures.

An investigative team has been set up which includes representatives of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), representing the state of occurrence; the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States (US), representing the state of registry and two Boeing commercial airplane engineers, representing the manufacturer.

These were organised after local authorities notified the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) and the US National Transportation Safety Board of the situation. In addition, the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TBS) and the South American Regional Accident Investigation Mechanism (ARCM) were also advised and invited to provide technical support to the GCAA.

Meanwhile, the deceased passenger, Rookia, suffered a head injury while exiting the aircraft and succumbed on Friday, November 17 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after initially being treated at a private hospital. She was among the 10 injured passengers who were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Center and later to the GPHC to receive treatment.

“I wish to personally assure all passengers that my ministry remains committed to working along with the authorities of CJIA, GCCA and specifically the Airline Operators in meeting all required obligations and reviewing all claims and compensatory mechanisms to ensure the welfare of the passengers remains top priority,” Patterson said.

He also re-expressed his dissatisfaction with the behaviour of the officers of the Fire Service who were accused of stealing the belongings of the passengers while on site and offered the apologies on behalf of his ministry.
“The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has further requested continued investigations into reports of missing items from passengers’ cargo and luggage onboard. The ministry in no way condones the reported actions and behaviour of the fire service officers on the morning of this accident,” he stated. “At this time, I would wish to take this opportunity to make an apology on behalf of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to all passengers for having to endure this experience.”

There were 120 passengers and 8 crew members onboard the plane when it overran the runway during an emergency landing. The Toronto-bound OJ256 flight was forced to return to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on November 9, 2018 after encountering hydraulics issues shortly after departure.