Apia, SAMOA — A passenger died during a Samoa Airways flight from Auckland to Faleolo on Wednesday.

The incident was confirmed by the Airline in a statement, responding to questions from the Samoa Observer yesterday.

“On Wednesday 26th December, a medical situation involving a passenger occurred whilst flight OL732 was en-route from Auckland to Apia,” the statement from the airline said.

“In response, Cabin Crew assisted and treated the passenger with oxygen.

“The passenger’s condition deteriorated and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed by the Crew who also used the (onboard) defibrillator.

“Unfortunately there were no medical personnel onboard the flight.

“Prior to touchdown, the emergency was relayed to authorities on the ground, together with a request for priority-landing and medical services.

A Police officer, who does not have authority to speak to the media, confirmed that the Police are investigating the death.

The officer said the deceased is a young boy. The Ministry of Police media spokesperson, Superintendent Soloi Iosefo, referred queries by this newspaper to Police Superintendent Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo. 

Auapa’au is yet to respond to questions, which were sent through email, at the time of going to press.

Read more at Samoa Observer