3 Seriously Injured in Shocking Boeing 737 Maintenance Mishap, A horrifying maintenance accident at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport has left 3 seriously injured in shocking Boeing 737 maintenance procedures. The victims, all aircraft technicians, were crushed when a Boeing 737-400 operated by BidAir Cargo unexpectedly collapsed during scheduled maintenance.
The aircraft, bearing registration ZS-TEY, was standing on jacks inside a hangar when the nose jack reportedly gave way. The plane’s front section collapsed onto the workers beneath, pinning them and causing severe injuries.
Technicians Rushed to Hospital After Boeing Nose Collapse
Bystanders and fellow workers immediately rushed to the scene to assist their injured colleagues. Emergency medical teams arrived quickly, and the three technicians were rushed to a nearby hospital. Their current condition is listed as critical but stable.
According to eyewitness accounts, the aircraft appeared to be leaning precariously before fully collapsing onto the front jack. Photos taken shortly after the accident confirm that the nose of the plane is resting heavily on the ground, with the jack visibly compromised.
Investigation Begins
Authorities are now investigating how such a serious failure occurred during what should have been routine maintenance. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched a probe to determine whether the jack failure was due to mechanical malfunction, human error, or inadequate safety procedures.
Industry experts have weighed in, emphasizing that aircraft jacking operations are high-risk and require strict adherence to safety protocols. However, incidents like these are extremely rare, especially in controlled hangar environments.
BidAir Cargo Yet to Issue Detailed Statement
BidAir Cargo, the airline operating the Boeing 737 involved in the accident, has confirmed the incident but has not yet provided a full statement regarding the cause. The company did express its concern for the injured employees and stated that it is cooperating fully with investigators.
“Our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families during this difficult time. We are doing everything we can to support them,” a spokesperson said.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-400, is a model widely used for cargo transport across South Africa and is known for its reliability. However, age and stress over years of operation can sometimes contribute to unforeseen maintenance challenges.
Global Echoes of Similar Tragedies in Aviation
The 3 seriously injured in shocking Boeing 737 maintenance incident is not the only tragedy of its kind in recent months. In November 2024, an airport worker in Finland was killed at Helsinki Airport after being crushed between a Finnair Airbus A350 and a toilet service vehicle.
That case is still under investigation, but it highlights the dangers faced by ground personnel and mechanics in aviation. The parallels between these two cases have reignited discussions on global maintenance safety standards.
Safety Standards Under Scrutiny After 3 Seriously Injured in Shocking Boeing 737 Maintenance
As the South African aviation industry grapples with this latest accident, unions and industry bodies are calling for stricter oversight in aircraft maintenance operations.
One union representative stated, “We cannot allow safety shortcuts in maintenance. The lives of our technicians are just as important as those of passengers.”
Experts say this incident could lead to a nationwide audit of aircraft jacking equipment and procedural training for maintenance staff across the country.
What’s Next for OR Tambo and the Affected Crew?
OR Tambo International Airport has not reported any disruption to operations, but the affected hangar has been closed off pending the investigation. It’s unclear when BidAir Cargo will resume use of the ZS-TEY aircraft or if it will return to service at all.
Meanwhile, the three injured workers remain in the hospital. Family members are reportedly by their sides, hoping for a full recovery. Details about the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed out of respect for privacy.
