KINGSTON, Jamaica – Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances which led to the death of a visitor to the island earlier this week at the Sangster International Airport in the western city of Montego Bay.
The passenger, Leroy Smith, 71, a Jamaican national, was returning to the United States after visiting his family when he collapsed at the baggage counter and later died.
In a video that has since gone viral, a witness said the management of the airport failed to render the required medical attention to the distressed passenger, and this could have led to his death.
The witness, a female passenger, also claimed that it took more than 20 minutes for a nurse or official of the airport to arrive. She also said Smith’s family was told that they would have pay US$400 for an ambulance service to move him.
Speaking with Radio Jamaica News, Vaz said he is disturbed by the account of the eyewitness.
“I have seen and heard…the video and the report that was made that has gone viral. I’ve also seen and heard other messages from other passengers that were around. So the MBJ Airport has a contractual arrangement with Hospiten in relation to providing medical services, which include ambulances. My understanding when I asked is that they have access to up to seven ambulances. And the proximity from Hospiten to Montego Bay airport is not that far,” he said.
Hospiten is an international network of private hospitals.
“I’ve gotten a preliminary report and I’ve seen the viral video, but I have requested specific information, which will guide me in relation to the times and whether those times of response were acceptable,” Vaz noted .
Meanwhile, MBJ Airports, the operator of Sangster International Airport, said it immediately operated its emergency response protocols once it became aware of the passenger in medical distress.
In a media release on Friday, MBJ Airports said on-site medical personnel arrived within minutes to provide care to the ailing passenger and an ambulance was called to the scene.
It said throughout the incident, airport staff worked diligently to coordinate with external emergency services while ensuring the privacy and dignity of those involved.
According to MBJ Airports, Sangster International maintains a dedicated private healthcare provider which ensures certified medical practitioners are on site to provide rapid response to medical emergencies. It says the provider also supplies ambulance services to the airport.
The airport has expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Smith, adding that it is offering support to airport staff and others affected by the incident.
