LAS VEGAS- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has confirmed that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is investigating the distressing incident involving Delta Air Lines (DL) passengers who were left stranded on a plane with no air conditioning amid scorching temperatures at a Las Vegas (LAS) airport.
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Delta Passengers Forced to Sit on Tarmac
“The reports are shocking, and we are actively investigating how passengers were left onboard an aircraft in triple-digit heat for such an extended period. Even under normal circumstances, a tarmac delay should not last that long. Further, We have strict rules in place to prevent such incidents,” stated Mr. Buttigieg in a press release to news outlets on Friday.
Federal rules mandate that airlines provide passengers with comfortable cabin temperatures. Subsequently, initiate movement of the aircraft within three hours of a delayed domestic flight. Further, allowing passengers to disembark at a suitable location.
However, there were reports that temperatures inside the Delta plane exceeded a sweltering 110 degrees Fahrenheit while it remained on the tarmac on Monday.
Delta Air Lines responded to the incident, stating that they are currently reviewing the situation.
The airline acknowledged that multiple passengers sought assistance from first responders. A flight attendant and passenger are transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Apologies and Investigations Underway
“We deeply apologize for the experience our customers had on flight DL555 from Las Vegas to Atlanta on July 17, which ultimately resulted in a flight cancellation,” the DL stated.
Delta further mentioned that their teams are diligently investigating the circumstances that led to the uncomfortable temperatures inside the cabin.
A Fox News producer, Krista Garvin, who was onboard Delta Flight 555, shared her observations on Twitter. She reported witnessing visibly sick passengers due to the oppressive heat onboard.
According to her account, passengers were given the option to leave the flight. But Delta staff warned them that rebooking new trips to Atlanta could take days.
In one of her Twitter posts, Ms. Garvin described the experience as “INSANE,” revealing that several passengers passed out due to the extreme heat.
The flight was initially delayed, and once passengers boarded, they were kept on the hot plane for “almost 3 hours on a hot plane in 111-degree weather” before takeoff.
According to Ms. Garvin’s Twitter updates, the Delta plane had to taxi back to the gate as passengers were “passing out.” She shared a video with a voice apologizing for the uncomfortable conditions in the cabin.
Delta informed a local news affiliate station that at least one customer sought medical treatment for heat-related illness, and medical teams promptly responded to the situation.
Delta’s Response and Compensation
Delta clarified to Reuters that the time between initial departure and the flight’s cancellation was just over three hours. The airline attributed the flight’s return to the gate to weight and balance issues caused by the extreme heat.
Delta directly apologized to the affected passengers and offered compensatory gestures while accommodating them on alternative flights.
The DOT’s investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to this distressing ordeal for Delta passengers. Further ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
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